FSLM Student Profile
/Meet Graci Easley
By Madeline Smallwood
Photo by shane darby.
Switching from sequins, fringe, and boots to heels, slacks, and blazers, upcoming senior Graci Easley is preparing not only for her new role as captain of the Arkansas High School Redline drill team but also to attend Arkansas Girls State, a selective civics education program.
Just trying out for the drill team leadership position required a lot of prep work; the audition included a solo performance as well as an interview in front of a panel of judges.
“Prior to taking on the role [of captain], I spent about four months of preparation and just getting myself in the right headspace,” Graci said.
As captain, Graci is ecstatic to tackle the challenges of this rewarding role. She has already held various leadership positions in Redline, including sophomore lieutenant and junior lieutenant. As she works this summer to prepare for the upcoming year, Graci is focusing on a few new ideas she is eager to implement. “I’d like to have an even bigger spring show this upcoming year—at least 2.5 hours, with more groups, solos, and duets,” she said.
“One thing that I live by is, ‘The sun’s going to rise, and the sun’s still going to set all the same.”
Beyond the spring recital, however, Graci hopes to leave a larger mark on the team culture. “I want my legacy as a captain to be that dancing is a way to express yourself, and an escape,” she shared, “and that you should dance because you want to dance.”
Dance is not the only arena in which Graci is a standout. This summer, she will attend Arkansas Girls State at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Arkansas Girls State is a civics education program. The program works to teach young women from Arkansas to be actively involved in their communities and government at an entry level. Participants are selected by their schools based on several qualifications, including leadership, character, scholarship, and service.
“It’s an honor to be nominated by the Texarkana Arkansas Independent School District to attend,” Graci said. “I’m very excited to learn all I can.”
Submitted photos.
In addition to dancing for Redline, Graci is the copy editor for The Porker yearbook. She announces for the AHS softball and volleyball teams and is a member of the Fellowship of Student Athletes. Further, she is a member of the National Honor Society, and she serves the community through the NIKE organization. In order to accomplish so much, she strives to maintain a positive outlook and not spend time worrying.
“One thing that I live by is, ‘The sun’s going to rise, and the sun’s still going to set all the same,’” she shared. “Basically, it means that everything is going to be okay, no matter what.”