Choctaw’s Sarah de Gaston
By Trina Walker
Running makes Sarah de Gaston feel accomplished, energized and awake. She discovered cross country in the eighth grade and is now a freshman runner at Choctaw High School.
She earned the nickname “Smiley” because she always has a smile on her face while running. Her favorite memory is hearing her team cheer for her during races.
“I was at a race in second place coming around a curve and my friends just said stuff like go Smiley and don’t give up! Because I am always smiling in my races when I run,” said Gaston.
“We all have so much love for each other. We cheer everyone on and encourage them, we grow such a strong connection with them that they are practically family,” she said.
Charlotte Mason is a teammate Gaston looks up to. Despite injuries Mason loves the sport and was still able to place seventh at conference.
“She shows me that I can do a 5K race even if my quad is hurting or my calves are sore because she has so many more injuries that probably hurt more, so I can do this little thing!” Gaston exclaims.
The lessons learned while running have strengthened her faith. By following Jesus Christ, she is a better person who strives to be more like him.
“I have learned in doing cross country that I can do hard things through Christ and He strengthens me. We are all children of God and He loves us so much,” Gaston said.
Thanks also go to Gaston’s parents.
“Mom and Dad love and encourage me so much. They come to every race they can. Thank you so much for being the best!” she exclaims.
Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Frisbee for her kindness and her favorite subject in school is math.
“Math is very helpful for you when you get older. I just find joy in it and I don’t fully know why,” Gaston says.
The best advice is from Elder Bednar, who says, “Quit worrying about it. Quit fussing, quit analyzing, quit worrying about it.”
Being a creative person, Gaston enjoys drawing, painting, sewing and leatherworking. When she turns 19, she will go on a mission and plans to attend Brigham Young University in Utah.
