Photo by: NC State
Leader of the Pack: Mikayla Raleigh
11/11/2015 4:27:00 PM | Cheerleading
NC State cheerleader Mikayla Raleigh became the second Wolfpack student-athlete in a row to capture the campus-wide honor
Mikayla Raleigh of the NC State cheerleading squad captured "Leader of the Pack" honors, awarded October 31 at halftime of the Pack's football game against Clemson.
Since its inception in 2002, the Leader of the Pack program recognizes students who make outstanding contributions to NC State in areas of leadership, scholarship, and community service. Finalists for the honor are selected based on grade-point average, a personal interview, extracurricular activities, written essays on their leadership and community service, and a vote from the student body.
Raleigh marks the second Wolfpack student-athlete in a row to earn the recognition, following Ashley Eli of the women's basketball program in 2014.
Among her many accomplishments, Raleigh helped found a cheerleading team for the Brentwood Boys and Girls Club.
"They didn't have extracurricular sports," said Raleigh. "Through the Boys and Girls Club, we've done over 100 hours of service running practices. We just finished our second annual clothing drive. For that project, we sell donated clothing at minimal cost, giving the children the experience of a shopping spree. We make a day out of it. It's a way to give back, while empowering the kids in a positive way."
Raleigh also holds leadership responsibilities within the NC State cheerleading program. She's made her mark there by ensuring the future of her sport.
 "We've created a marketing committee to better connect alumni with the program," said Raleigh. "We've been able to fund scholarships for the team. I'm passionate about helping our team, not only now, but in the years to come, and it's one of my favorite things to do because of that passion."
Off the field, Raleigh maintains a pristine GPA as a Park Scholar, a scholarship she says helps her view education as a privilege.
"I want to take the classes that challenge me the most. This university gives us an opportunity to learn in a more conducive environment than the real world. It's priceless to have that opportunity, rather than being forced to learn on the job. Higher education is a privilege. I want to do more than take the minimum requirements. It's the same as athletics; you won't get better unless you push yourself."
On the day of the ceremony, Raleigh received her award from fellow student-athlete Ashley Eli. The pair represent the first two Wolfpack student-athletes to receive the campus-wide honor, and speak to the changing role of the student-athlete on campus.
"As student-athletes we're put in a unique position by the university," said Raleigh. "We're given so much in terms of facilities and support, I think it's important for us to be role models. We need to use our positions to improve the surrounding community. When NC State student-athletes showcase their character, it's great for the university and our individual programs."
Since its inception in 2002, the Leader of the Pack program recognizes students who make outstanding contributions to NC State in areas of leadership, scholarship, and community service. Finalists for the honor are selected based on grade-point average, a personal interview, extracurricular activities, written essays on their leadership and community service, and a vote from the student body.
Raleigh marks the second Wolfpack student-athlete in a row to earn the recognition, following Ashley Eli of the women's basketball program in 2014.
Among her many accomplishments, Raleigh helped found a cheerleading team for the Brentwood Boys and Girls Club.
"They didn't have extracurricular sports," said Raleigh. "Through the Boys and Girls Club, we've done over 100 hours of service running practices. We just finished our second annual clothing drive. For that project, we sell donated clothing at minimal cost, giving the children the experience of a shopping spree. We make a day out of it. It's a way to give back, while empowering the kids in a positive way."
Raleigh also holds leadership responsibilities within the NC State cheerleading program. She's made her mark there by ensuring the future of her sport.
 "We've created a marketing committee to better connect alumni with the program," said Raleigh. "We've been able to fund scholarships for the team. I'm passionate about helping our team, not only now, but in the years to come, and it's one of my favorite things to do because of that passion."
Off the field, Raleigh maintains a pristine GPA as a Park Scholar, a scholarship she says helps her view education as a privilege.
"I want to take the classes that challenge me the most. This university gives us an opportunity to learn in a more conducive environment than the real world. It's priceless to have that opportunity, rather than being forced to learn on the job. Higher education is a privilege. I want to do more than take the minimum requirements. It's the same as athletics; you won't get better unless you push yourself."
On the day of the ceremony, Raleigh received her award from fellow student-athlete Ashley Eli. The pair represent the first two Wolfpack student-athletes to receive the campus-wide honor, and speak to the changing role of the student-athlete on campus.
"As student-athletes we're put in a unique position by the university," said Raleigh. "We're given so much in terms of facilities and support, I think it's important for us to be role models. We need to use our positions to improve the surrounding community. When NC State student-athletes showcase their character, it's great for the university and our individual programs."
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