Pressure is a Privilege: Jenks High School’s First Female Superfans President Addy Gaylor

Picture credits: Ellie Mink

By: Maliyah London

When Addy Gaylor walks into a pep rally, the energy shifts. As the first female president of Jenks High School’s school spirit organization Superfans, her goal isn’t just to be the one to start chants and dress up for themes. She wants to lead by example, and show what it means to lead with spirit, humility, and purpose.

As the only junior on the Superfans council last year, she quickly formed connections, learned how to plan events and themes, and manage the Superfans social media, and put in the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to make school spirit look effortless. Now, as president, her week is a flurry of planning themed videos, pep rallies, gathering props, making sure the stadium is filled with energy on Friday nights, and all of the behind the scenes effort it takes to make school spirit look effortless. But for Gaylor, it’s also about building a community and inspiring people to get involved and have fun.

“Most people assume that it’s just a popularity contest for athletes, and that it shouldn’t be taken seriously. But Superfans isn’t just about being the loudest or the most extroverted,” said Gaylor. “It’s about commitment, being a leader, community, and showing what Jenks culture is all about.”

Jenks High School Superfans at Jenks Varsity Volleyball game, taken by Ellie Mink

For Gaylor, leadership began early, not just with her family being deeply involved in the Jenks community. But how they have always played a big role in how she leads and views leadership. 

“I’ve been so blessed to have such an amazing family, my parents are my biggest role models,” said Gaylor. “They really believed in me when I was running for president and have always pushed me to be the best I can.”

Moving to Jenks in sixth grade, she grew up watching Superfans from the stands, inspired by the way they could so easily motivate a crowd and make everyone feel included.

“It just adds such a huge impact. Growing up seeing Superfans made me want to be that person for other people,” said Gaylor. Those lessons have translated into her leadership philosophy. “Leadership takes confidence, but it also takes kindness.”

Along with kindness, respect is also one of Gaylor’s core values.

Addy Gaylor at Jenks White Out Game, Picture credits: Jenks Trojan Torch

“No matter what position you are, higher or lower, you have to respect people. If you treat people how you want to be treated, things go so much better.”

One of her main motivators as the first female president of Superfans is not only building a place of inclusivity for everyone, but also changing the culture of how students view school spirit. Making sure everyone feels they have equal opportunity to get involved.

 “We want everybody here. We don’t care who you are,” said Gaylor. “The more the merrier, the more seriously how we see it. If I see somebody in the hallways, I always smile, I’m like, ‘You guys killed it. You guys are awesome.”

Still, being the first female president has come with challenges and some scrutiny.

“A lot of people would say, ‘she doesn’t deserve to be president, what does she know about football?’ But that’s such a stereotype. I’ve grown up around football my whole life. My first game was when I was five days old. These boys on the team, I see them as my brothers. Supporting them is something I’ve been doing forever,” said Gaylor.

Her journey hasn’t been without personal growth either. She admits she used to struggle with confidence. 

“I really struggled my freshman and sophomore year. Confidence was a really big struggle for me. Being the only junior on council last year pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said Gaylor. “That role was a confidence boost, it didn’t inflate my ego, but it made me realize I could do the hard things.”

At the same time, Gaylor acknowledges her perfectionist side. 

“Since I’m such a perfectionist and I need things organized, I get overstimulated easily. When I get overwhelmed, it’s hard for me to function. But this role has helped me grow. I’ve had to figure out how to manage things and not get frustrated. You have to remain consistent, patient, and calm, and just trust the process,” said Gaylor

Outside of Superfans, she’s had to make tough choices about balance. She recently quit club soccer, a sport that used to take up much of her time traveling on weekends. Now, she makes more space for family and friends. 

“I think you are who you hang out with, so spending time with the right people is super important. Making time for them, even when you’re busy, shows them that they’re valued,” said Gaylor.

For Gaylor, it all comes back to perspective. 

“Pressure and attention are privileges that not enough people appreciate,” she said. 

Addy Gaylor at Jenks Trojan preview, with other superfans

Picture credits: Jenks Trojan Torch

Whether facing challenges on the soccer field or in front of a packed crowd, she approaches it with positivity and a sense of responsibility, as she summed it up: 

“Being a Superfan isn’t just about chants, or themes and decorations. It’s about making people feel seen, included, and proud to be part of Jenks. That’s what matters.”