As graduation day approaches, Poteau seniors Pierce and Traegan Ballard are ready and eager to take the next step in their journey of success they have enjoyed since birth.
Academically, Pierce ranks number 1 in this year’s graduating class with a 4.23 GPA while his older sister (but only by a minute) Traegan has earned a 4.09 academic achievement including Superintendent Honor Roll accolades the past four years.
“Little brother” has created a footprint of success in multiple sports. On the gridiron, the Pirates defensive back earned Class 4A football All-Star by Class accolades as well as All-Conference recognition. His success on the diamond has led him to play baseball next year at NEO.
“I’m very excited to see what the opportunity of playing college baseball at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M will provide for me,” said Pierce. “It’s a great challenge that will ultimately help me grow as a player and a person.”
Traegan was a multi-sport athlete prior to knee surgeries but has now found another passion through agriculture.
“I’ve been involved in FFA since the eighth grade, an opportunity that includes one of my proudest and biggest achievements to serve as President of the Poteau FFA chapter,” said Traegan. “FFA has taught me the value of servant leadership—putting others before yourself and leading with my heart. I’m forever grateful for the encouragement of Colby Cunningham who believed in me from day one, pushed me to be better, and always had my back, even on the toughest days.”
Traegan is eager for her next opportunity to make an impact while attending Northeastern State University in the fall where she’ll be majoring in Occupational Therapy.
As their side-by-side journey at Poteau closes one chapter in life, Pierce and Traegan are grateful for the influence of their teammates, teachers and the “living by examples” that have influenced them.
“I’ll miss the relationships with my best friends along with the teachers that impacted my life,” said Pierce. “A big shoutout to my boys Zane, Grady, Tyler, Ways, Rys, Drew, David, Camden, Guut, Dax, Calloway, and Gamble.”
“I’ll miss the sense of community and the people who’ve become like family. The teachers who’ve believed in me, my FFA family, my friends – I’ll carry all of that with me,” said Traegan. “Shoutout to my brother Pierce, Briley Bowman, and Brooklyn Carter.”
In a unified voice of love and appreciation, the twins echoed their feelings to their parents, Joe and Coffee Ballard.
“You’ve raised me to be straight forward yet kind, confident yet humble, and that a person is only as good as their word.” said Pierce. “Together they have instilled grit and determination that will guide me through college. I will also tell my sister that she will set the world on fire with her heart of gold and compassion that she brings everywhere she goes. I don’t say it enough, but I am proud of her and I will always be there when she needs me!
“Having my parents by my side throughout this journey has meant everything. Knowing my dad will hand me my diploma on graduation night is something I’ll treasure forever,” said Traegan. “Mom and dad, you’ve never missed a moment, and I’ll never stop being grateful for the love, sacrifice, and support. And to Pierce, — go chase those dreams. I’ll miss you every single day, but I’ll always be cheering you on from wherever I am. We’ve never been apart, but we’ll always be connected, no matter the distance.”
