Lanie Malek
By Joan Frances –
Travis High School in Fort Bend Independent School District has a reputation for the highest standards of academic distinction. The school’s mission is to “create an environment of mutual respect and belonging in which we strive for excellence in both academic and extra-curricular programs.” One senior who has succeeded in both endeavors is Lanie Kathleen Malek.
Lanie has been a cheerleader all four years of her high school career. She was a member of the junior varsity team as a freshman and varsity squad as a sophomore, junior and senior. She was co-captain as a junior, and this year, she is captain. Lanie has also been a part of competitive cheer throughout her childhood and as a freshman and sophomore. She last competed with a level 5 open team and continues working on her skills, hoping to possibly cheer in college.
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When asked what she enjoys most about cheerleading, Lanie replied, “I enjoy being a positive role model, someone the younger kids look up to. During the games, my job is to get the audience pumped up with spirit and to generate a charge of energy.” Lanie was voted Most Valuable Cheerleader as a freshman and Most Spirited Cheerleader as a junior and senior.
Another commitment Lanie has been engaged in all four years of high school is theater arts. She is a member of the Thespian Society and assists in the choreography during productions. Her theater sponsor awarded her Best Choreographer for theater as a sophomore and junior. Lanie is an actor and singer, participating in plays every year for Travis Theatrical Company. “I enjoy studying and becoming different people on stage. Singing and dancing in front of an audience is exhilarating, and I continue to learn from the experience,” she said.
A value Lanie lives by is integrity. “I live my life knowing that no matter how hard or difficult things get, I will never compromise my integrity or character or that of others in my pursuit of success.” Last year, Lanie was voted Best Female Ensemble Actress and Theater Homecoming Sweetheart this year by her peers. She was also chosen to be on the homecoming court.
Lanie has thoroughly enjoyed her years at Travis High School. “I feel that every teacher I have had in the past four years has impacted me in some way, and all of them have helped me be fully prepared for college. I am truly thankful for the teachers I have had in high school, for if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
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Lanie has been a member of the student council all four years. As a junior, she was Executive Historian and this year, Executive Secretary and Junior Counselor for winter retreat. She was awarded the Academic Excellence award by her principal as a freshman and has remained an honor roll student throughout high school.
In her free time, Lanie works for the Victory Vipers, coaching cheerleading and gymnastic classes for younger children. She was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes her freshman and sophomore year. She always sets an example by her positive attitude and great outlook on life.
With such a full schedule and munificent use of her time, Lanie has set out for prominence. She has accepted a scholarship to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and will major in mass communication with a minor in business management. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, and good luck in your future endeavors.