Board of Advisors

Choosing my board of advisors was very difficult since there have been many influential people in my life. But, I finally got it numbered down...and the lucky people are...........


My wonderful mom, Marla Grant
My mom is one of the strongest people I know. After getting divorced from my dad, life was tough for me, my mom and my little brother. My mom now took on the full financial responsibilities, participation responsibilities, child raising responsibilities, and everything else that comes with taking care of 2 children by herself. Luckily, my mom held the same position in the same company for over 20 years and she was in no place of losing her job. Since then, she is now Vice President of a new and up-coming company and is successful in her new line of work. My mom is one of the most persistent and hard-working people I know. She always knows what the right choice is and has guided me on a self-motivated path my entire life. I would consider my mother to be the chair of my advisors because of her undying faith in me. She has never once not believed in me and has supported me every step of the way, through the great and horrible moments.

My grandmother, Shirley Hicks
After giving birth to my mom at the age of 17, life wasn't easy for my "nanny." She was now raising a daughter, along with trying to grow up herself. But the reason I look up to my nanny the most is her solid-as-a-rock faith. She has never, for one single day doubted the plans God has for her. She is a very prominent woman in her church in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and is very actively involved with mission work, children's bible study, and community service within the church. She encourages me whenever I need it most and has always been there for me when my mom wasn't able to be. She was also such a huge help after my parents divorce when my mom needed help caring for me and my brother.

Erikka Tipton-Ault
Some people would find it silly to refer to their high school coach as one of the most influential people in their lives'. But not me. Erikka, but as we called her "Tipton," was the one role model that was constantly with me throughout the wonderful growing years of high school. Tipton wasn't just a cheer coach, she was a sister, a second mom, a best friend. Her positive attitude and fun-loving spirit and dedication to everything she was involved in could brighten any room. She always did and continues to push me to do my best and be as actively involved in my passions as possible. She will always hold a special place in my heart and will always be there for me...no matter the situation.

Virgil Walker, my partner in crime
Since the first day we laid eyes on each other in Mrs. Keely's kindergarten class, it was love. Well okay, not love, but the start to a lifelong friendship. Ever since the beginning of my memory, Virgil has been there. He has always been my go-to-guy and has never let me down. He never ceases to amaze me in his competitiveness, his faith, his school spirit, his devotion to his passions, and to his love of this country. Virgil is now a student at Baylor University on a full ride ROTC scholarship and plans to enlist in the United States army after college. We have always joked about getting married and spending our lives together, and although that may never happen, I know that Virgil will always be there for me, always give me "the guy's perspective," and will never let me down when all I need is a good laugh.

My dad, Mike Grant
Most people consider my dad and I to be twins (I can't really see it, with his thinning hair and unstylish wardrobe, but I think it's the nose that gives it away.) My dad and I are almost identical, and not only by physical looks but by our actions as well. He is an argumentative lawyer, and arguing my point of view is not in short supply. He loves college football and he has passed that love down to me. My dad loves a good laugh and is constantly the center of a crowd. But my dad is also my biggest fan; he is there to cheer me on, no matter what. He has been at almost every one of my sporting events (which, I have to admit, I think he would much rather see his daughter in something sport-ier than cheerleading.) He is always there to give me an "'atta-girl" and never points out my flaws.

Without these people in my life, I don't think I would be the person I am today. They have shaped and molded me into the self-confident, goal-pursuing, motivated person I am. And I am so thankful for each and every one of them.