Between being a varsity cheerleader, serving as Buena Speaks’ managing editor, working at Cinemark downtown and excelling in her AP classes, senior Reagan Berry has balanced an impressive array of roles during her r three years at Buena. Looking ahead to the University of Oregon, Berry plans to study political science and English, bringing all of these lessons learned together to make a positive impact on Eugene, Oregon.
As a freshman, Berry attended Hart High School in Santa Clarita and made her first high school memories as a cheerleader for the Hart Hawks. She then transitioned to Buena and joined the cheer team, pursuing her passion for the sport she has been doing since she was 2 years old.
“Hart cheer was very captain-focused, they would make all of the decisions,” Berry said. “The cheer team at Buena is more of a democracy, and I like how everyone can be involved. It is more group focused and I am hoping college is similar in that aspect.”
As an experienced base and backspot, Berry has been a valuable asset to the cheer team. She has played a key role in coordinating routines and stunts, and this year, she’s had the added joy of working alongside one of her best friends, senior Alanna Bowen.
“I met Reagan at the first summer practice of our sophomore year,” Bowen said. “She has grown so much and become so outgoing. Being in her stunt pod for our senior year was one of my favorite memories with her.”
By applying similar leadership skills from cheer to journalism, Berry has led staffers and taken charge of the print paper operation. As her third year of journalism comes to a close, she reflects on the experiences and knowledge she gained serving a leadership position in the program.
“I thought journalism would be fun because of Rory Gilmore,” Berry said. “I stayed for three years because of the friends I made and the community because everyone is more connected and not a lot of classes have that.”
English Teacher and Journalism Adviser Jessica Castaneda considers it a “great privilege” to have worked with Berry for three years.
“Reagan possesses a level of maturity and dedication that is rare to find in a high school student,” Castaneda said. “I am confident these qualities will make her an asset whenever her journey takes her.”
As the second managing editor in Buena Speaks history following Haylie Williams, Berry found time to navigate the responsibilities of her job while continuing to write her favorite “viewpoint articles” that also inspired her to “study politics”, as she feels she is “good at arguing.”
Berry plans to double major in English and political science, a decision inspired by her AP Government class with teacher Andrew Coates. Her primary goal is to advocate for children, with a focus on law, to help give them a voice.
“You can tell she really cares about politics and government, she has always been into it,” Coates said. “She has a good voice, she knows how to use it, and it is clear to me through her articles and through speaking to her that she has a strong moral compass and a sense of justice.”
As Berry prepares for the next step of her life, she hopes to get involved in the Daily Emerald, the school paper at the University of Oregon. Taking the meaningful lessons and memories from Buena, Berry is setting out for success and is prepared to establish new roots.
Berry has always striven for excellence, learning countless lessons throughout her time as an All Star cheerleader. One of the most significant lessons, learned through overcoming challenges faced in competitive cheer will follow her in the transition to college.
“I grew up in a competitive environment, but I later learned that it is not you against everyone else,” Berry said. “Someone’s win is not my loss.”
