Now that Jayden Simpson is a senior, she can take a moment to look back on what has been a great experience growing up in the Sapulpa Public School system.
Being a Ping Ping is something a lot of girls grow up wanting to become. It was a dream that Simpson was able to make come true.
“I am a senior in high school, and I knew I wanted to be a Ping since I was a little girl. It was always my dream to be on the sidelines and dance on the field just like them,” Simpson said. “We get to practice at 6:30 A.M. in the morning and we practice until 8:50 A.M.. We work on every dance we do and everything we do at games. We all put in a lot of work to get everything to look good.”
Being part of the team is special for all of the members. Simpson said it’s a bond that she will never forget.
“I love my teammates so much because it is always good to see them in the morning, they always make my day better. The team feels like another family,” said Simpson.
Also a member of National Honor Society and a member of the Ovations Dance Studio, Simpson said she finds inspiration in coach Molly Heritage.
“Coach Molly inspires me so much. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her and all that she has done for me and the time she has spent working with me,” Simpson said. “My dad also inspires me to be a better person and to put in 100% effort into everything. My dad has always been there for me and never fails to make me smile, so I try my best to be just like him and put in the same effort that he does for me.”
Being a Ping Ping was always a dream for me until I made the team my freshman year and ever since I just love going to practice and performing with the people I love. It is such a different environment and I just love it,” said Simpson.
Simpson said has received some great advice about hard work.
“To work hard for what you want. If you want it you have to work hard for it, it doesn’t just get handed to you.”
After graduation Simpson plans to go to Oklahoma Baptist University and dance on their dance team and continue to compete.
Away from school Simpson said she enjoys hanging out with friends, dancing, watching tv, and hanging out with family.