GUYTON — The most lustrous days of Alaina Ricker’s life will never be as bright as they could have been. 

Some of the shine was robbed by a tragic traffic accident that claimed the lives of her father, Brian Ricker, and boyfriend, Jake Sapp, on Sept. 15, 2018.

Thoughts of them were in the forefront of Alaina’s mind on May 22 in the South Effingham gym as she signed a national letter of intend to attend Georgia Southern University. She will be a cheerleader for the Eagles. 

“I know (my father) would be very proud of me,” Alaina said. “They both would. That brings me peace.”

Alaina was an extremely valuable member of South Effingham’s competitive cheerleading team. Coach Amanda Ramsey noted that Alaina was willing to take on any role to help her Region 2-AAAAA championship squad.

Alaina will join Georgia Southern’s competitive cheerleading team and be on the sidelines for the Eagles’ athletic events.

“It’s the same team,” she said. “I’m going to be busy.”

Alaina will spend much of the summer working to be in peak shape for her demanding sport.

“We work out on our own and send in videos,” she said.

Alaina is eager to perform in front of 25,000 screaming fans at the Eagles’ Paulson Stadium.

“I’m excited about it,” she said.

Alaina plans to pursue an educational path will help her become a chiropractor.

“I’m going to major in biology,” she said.