If you thought Abby Rhinehart peaked in high school, you were wrong.
A 2022 Lapeer High School graduate, Rhinehart put together an amazing list of accomplishments while at LCS and has since added to that list in college at Davenport University until graduating this past May.
"After graduating from Lapeer, I continued my education at Davenport while also continuing my passion for competitive cheerleading," said Rhinehart. "Cheer has been a huge part of my life and in 2022, I was fortunate enough to compete at the Cheerleading World Championships and win a bronze medal with my team.
"During my time at Davenport, I had the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level and accomplish more than I ever could have imagined. I was a two-time NCA national champion (2023, 2024), a two-time STUNT national champion (2023, 2025), a 2024 STUNT national runner-up, a 2026 NCA silver medalist, and a third-place finish at the 2026 STUNT National Championship. I was also named an NCA All-American in 2023 and 2024 and earned a spot on the CSCA Academic Honor Roll every year from 2023–26."
Not too shabby.
Rhinehart graduated from Davenport in May with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Services with a concentration in Case Management. She made the Dean's List every semester while at DU, except her last semester, when Rhinehart made the Presidents List.
"While college gave me the opportunity to grow academically and athletically, I think the biggest thing I gained was learning how to balance my goals, overcome setbacks, and continue pursuing the things I love," Rhinehart said. "Looking back, I’m especially proud that the journey that started with cheerleading as a kid in Lapeer eventually took me to national championships and the world championships. It’s something I never could have imagined when I first started."
During her school years, Rhinehart attended elementary school at Elba, Seaton and Mayfield, then went on to Rolland-Warner, Zemmer and LHS.
"I think what I remember most is the people and all of the little moments that made growing up in Lapeer so special," Rhinehart said. "From elementary school through high school, so much of my childhood and teenage years happened here. I made friendships, learned so many life lessons, and created memories that I’ll carry with me long after graduating. Looking back, it’s crazy to realize how quickly those years went by and how much Lapeer truly shaped the person I am today."
Rhinehart was also quickly to point out that teachers helped motivate her along her journey.
"Two teachers who really stand out to me are Mr. Stevens and Mr. Nowak," said Rhinehart. "Mr. Stevens taught me PLTW and he was one of those teachers who genuinely cared about every student. He made you feel like you mattered as a person, not just as a student sitting in his classroom. He also made his classroom fun. I enjoyed going to his class everyday, not only was I learning but I was enjoying doing so. Mr. Nowak also had a huge impact on me. I had him for both LINKS and Biology. LINKS was especially meaningful because we were paired with students who may have needed additional support, and Mr. Nowak taught us so much more than how to be a good peer or student. He taught us how to see the person before the disability, how to be patient and understanding, and how to genuinely be good people. He had a way of teaching lessons that extended far beyond the classroom, and those are lessons I still carry with me today.
"Both of these teachers made an impact on who I became, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to learn from them."
In addition to being a cheerleader from seventh grade through her senior year, including being on varsity all four years at LHS, Rhinehart also played JV soccer in high school.
"Cheer was definitely the biggest part of my school experience and gave me some of my favorite memories," she said. "I made lifelong friendships, spent countless hours at practices and games, traveled for competitions, and experienced both exciting victories and difficult challenges with my teammates. Some of the moments I remember most aren’t even the big accomplishments, but the little things, the bus rides, getting ready together, laughing at practice, and being surrounded by people who became like family.
"Playing JV soccer for two years was another experience I’m really grateful for because I grew up playing soccer, and cheer was my secondary sport at the time. Playing in high school with the same girls that I grew up playing with was such a special experience. Looking back, I’m thankful for both sports and for all the friendships, lessons, and memories they gave me."
Armed with her degree, Rhinehart is beginning her career in the case management field. She is also the JV cheer coach at Oxford High School, continuing her passion for cheerleading by coaching and mentoring the next generation of athletes. Outside of work and coaching, Rhinehart is enjoying spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends as she begins this exciting new chapter after college.
And it all started right here in Lapeer.
"Lapeer Community Schools played a huge role in shaping who I am today," Rhinehart said. "Growing up in Lapeer gave me a strong sense of community and surrounded me with teachers, coaches, friends, and mentors who genuinely cared about my success. My experiences in school, especially through cheerleading, taught me the importance of hard work, commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. I learned early on that success doesn’t always come easily, and that some of the biggest lessons come from the challenges and setbacks along the way.
"Looking back, so many of the values I carry with me today were developed during my time in Lapeer. The relationships I built, the opportunities I was given, and the people who believed in me helped give me the confidence to pursue my goals. Lapeer will always be an important part of my story and the foundation that helped me become the person I am today."
Still, Rhinehart would rather pass on knowledge to the current crop of students going through LHS.
"My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity you’re given and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone," Rhinehart said. "You don’t have to have your entire life figured out while you’re in high school. Try new things, get involved, build relationships with the people around you, and allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. I would also remind students to enjoy where they are. It’s easy to be so focused on graduating and moving on to the next chapter that you forget to appreciate the people and experiences you have right in front of you. Some of the moments and relationships you think are just part of everyday life will end up being the ones you remember most and the ones you miss the most after high school.
"Most importantly, don’t let a setback convince you that you aren’t capable of achieving your goals. My own journey has had plenty of unexpected challenges, but each one has taught me something and helped shape where I am today. You never know where an opportunity, a challenge, or even a simple decision to say 'yes' might take you."
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