Student Resource Officers (SROs) work hard to keep students out of harm’s way. They work closely with the administration to produce a safe environment for students. However, the newest SRO, Ariana Prather, class of 2015, plans to do much more as she tells her story of her aspirations and goals.

At a young age, Prather accomplished much that she’s proud of. “I was able to play basketball at West Creek Middle and High for a total of seven or eight years,” Prather said. “I was able to earn the academic athletic scholarship to play in college. I played at a few different colleges and graduated with my bachelor’s at 21.”

Furthermore, she expands on her past and how it made her who she was.”Everything that I’ve done in my past has made me who I am today. And although I may wish some things did not happen, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today if they didn’t happen.” 

The biggest influence in her childhood was her family. “I’m really big into my family, and they are my support system. My brother keeps me laughing. My sister is one I can confide in,” Prather said. “Both of my parents being pastors, they have instilled in me the characteristics that I have now as a young woman. I’ve learned who God is through them, and they have influenced me to want to learn more about him.”

Now, she hopes to influence others. Asked what advice she would give to high school students in this time period, she said, “For one, stay focused. Don’t let peer pressure influence you to do stuff that’s not for you. A lot of the time, they’re doing things just cause their friends are doing them. Stay focused, stay true to yourself, don’t get influenced by peer pressure, and remember who you are.”

How does Deputy Prather want to be remembered? “I want to be remembered as somebody who influences y’all in a positive way. I want them to remember me as somebody who makes them smile in the mornings and somebody that they can confide in. I want to be seen as a role model and an inspiration.”