GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) - At Innovation Central High School, Jayda Johnson is part of the Academy of Health Sciences & Technology, a program that gives students hands-on learning opportunities in health care and related fields. For Johnson, a senior, the academy is especially meaningful because she hopes to become a veterinarian after high school.
Through the Academy of Health Sciences & Technology, Johnson has had the opportunity to explore different careers in the medical sciences field. Last year, she took a survey course that introduced her to areas such as veterinary medicine and dentistry. This year, she is taking Intro. to Pharmacy Tech., gaining more specialized experience as she continues to explore careers in health care.
Her days at Innovation Central are spent balancing that academic exploration with a full schedule of classes. Once the school day ends, Johnson's focus shifts to another commitment: cheer.
Johnson takes an athletic shuttle to Ottawa Hills for practice, where she has spent the summer preparing for the upcoming season through conditioning and team camps. Now, practices center on learning routines, improving technique, and working on stunting.
While cheer may look effortless from the stands, Johnson said there is much more work involved behind the scenes.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize how hard cheer is when it’s taken seriously,” Johnson said, “and the expectations are even higher here compared to my old school.”
Johnson started her journey in GRPS after moving from Baldwin to Grand Rapids during the spring of her junior year. She immediately joined the Bengals tennis team, and after having such a positive experience, decided to pick cheer back up, too.
Johnson cheered when she was younger but eventually stepped away from the sport. Her fresh start as a Bengals athlete gave her an opportunity to return to something she loves. This year is her first season cheering for Ottawa Hills, but she has quickly become part of the team.
Balancing team commitments with academics can be challenging, but for Johnson, school and sports are her main priorities. HST homework is part of her routine almost every day, so she tries to complete as much work as possible while she is still at school.
“I get as much done at school if possible,” Johnson said.
When she isn't in class or at practice, Johnson's weekends are more relaxed. She spends time at home, hangs out with friends, and babysits.
Between an early morning bus ride, a full academy schedule, athletic practices, homework, and Friday night football games, Johnson's days are busy. But for her, the busy schedule is more than just a daily routine. It is part of a fresh start that has allowed her to explore her future, return to a sport she loves, and find her place within the Bengals community.