Teachers make an impact on the lives of their students with more than just the lessons they teach. While those lessons are important, when a teacher shows that they care and are willing to help, that can go a long way with a student. Lakera Pinkney attends Union High School and says that there are a couple of teachers that have had a positive influence on her life.

“The teachers that have had the biggest impact on my life would have to be miss Yvette and Mr. Ben,” she said. “They give me great advice and always worry about my well-being. They help me when I get stuck even if they don’t know the answer they will find it.”

Pinkney is a senior at Union and plays libero for the volleyball team. When she steps on the court, she has someone special that keeps her playing her best.

“What motivates me the most is knowing that my mom is watching me from the clouds and wants me to be the best I can be,” she said. “I am playing for her every time I am out there.”

When she is competing with her team, they play a variety of opponents. But Pinkney says that there is one opponent that she enjoys beating the most and it is pretty obvious why.

“The team I enjoy playing against and beating the most is Jenks,” she stated. “They are our rival in every sport, so a win against them is always a good one.”

Putting in the time and effort is important for Lakera because she knows that is what it takes in order for her and her teammates to be successful.

“In order for our team to have success, it takes hard work, dedication, less sleep, being coachable, working as a team, encouraging Lakera Pinkney others, and most importantly lending a hand to a teammate when they need it most.”

Throughout her career, Pinkney has enjoyed some great experiences but has one that stands out.

“The highlight moment of my career would have to be being moved up from junior varsity to varsity, filling in as a setter and then later on being a defensive specialist.”