Brooks will be continuing her education at Wichita State to study Gerontology, where she will study and treat elderly people. Brooks has always had healthcare as a career in the back of her mind, but her grandparents inspired gerontology.

“I watched providers take care of my loved ones while I’ve also watched providers not providing the care that my grandparents needed,” Brooks said. “This made me want to do gerontology because I hope to be the provider who creates a great atmosphere for my patients while also forming strong relationships with them.”

Brooks is a senior associate in medicine and healthcare in NCAPS, a captain of the varsity cheer team, works a part-time job at Home Goods and takes night classes at Maple Woods. Being part of all these activities gave Brooks a lot of opportunities she is grateful for.

“A couple of accomplishments I am proud of are being a senior associate in the NCAPS program, being a senior captain on the varsity cheer team and leading our team to win the tenth consecutive state title for the program,” Brooks said. “ I was chosen for the academic all-state team for cheer and I’m on the dean’s list through my night classes at Maple Woods.”

Cheerleading has given Brooks a chance to break out of her shell and experience new things.

“I like being in something that is bigger than myself and being considered a role model for the younger students in our district and community,” Brooks said. “I have learned lots about being a leader and having to step up when needed.”

Senior Abbie Luetke has been friends with Brooks’ all throughout high school and is excited to see where her future takes her.

“I see her in nursing school, working with the elderly, possibly living in Florida attending Tampa for school, and having the time of her life,” Luetke said.

Business teacher Adrienne Fowler admires Brooks kindness and willingness to help her classmates.

“She is never too busy to answer a question from her peers and has a way of really making all of her group members feel included,” Fowler said. “It’s always nice to see someone go out of their way like this. Michaela is extremely kind, polite and friendly.”

As Brooks days as a Blue Jay are coming to end, she is excited to see what the future has in store for her and hopes to continue her passion.

“My main passion in life is to form relationships or bonds with people that I come across,” Brooks said. “I want to stay as positive and approachable as I can as this will help me in my future career as a nurse and create a better person out of myself.”