Some students carry their heritage quietly, and others shine with it in every room they enter. Hartshorne High School’s Paisley Winslow belongs to that second group—grounded, confident, and guided by the culture that shaped her. As she shares proudly, “I’m proud to be a member of the Choctaw Nation, and my heritage has always been a big part of who I am. Growing up, my family made sure I understood the importance of respecting others, staying humble, and working hard.”
For Paisley, identity is more than ancestry—it’s the foundation she walks on each day. “To me, being Choctaw means strength, resilience, and community. It means knowing where I come from and being proud of the generations before me who worked so hard so I could have the opportunities I do today.” That pride influences how she treats others and how she sees her role at school. “Choctaw culture teaches us that we’re stronger together. Because of that, I always try to be someone who includes others, communicates well, and supports my classmates and teammates.”
Her values show up in the way she approaches everything from academics to relationships. “Respect, responsibility, and service are the biggest ones for me. I try to show respect to my teachers and classmates, stay responsible with my schoolwork, and always look for ways to help others when I can.”
A strong support system keeps her grounded. “My family and friends always encourage me to do my best. They celebrate my successes and lift me up when things get stressful. Knowing I have people who believe in me makes a huge difference and pushes me to keep working hard.” She balances school, activities, and life with intention, saying, “I try to stay active, get enough rest, and take breaks when I need them. I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down and take a moment for myself so I can stay focused and healthy.”
Attending tribal gatherings keeps her rooted. “Attending Choctaw events and gatherings has always made me feel connected to my culture. I especially love traditions that honor our ancestors and teach us to be thankful for what we have.”
Representing her heritage is something she embraces fully. “Yes, absolutely. I feel proud to represent my heritage, and I want younger Choctaw students to see that they can achieve anything.”
Hartshorne has played a major role in her growth. “Hartshorne has given me great teachers, supportive friends, and a strong sense of community. I’ve grown a lot here and feel prepared for what comes next because of the experiences I’ve had.”
Looking forward, Paisley is committed to cultural stewardship. “I want to continue learning as much as I can about our culture and share that knowledge with others. Whether it’s through school projects, community involvement, or just educating people who are curious.”
Her goals after graduation reflect her drive and compassion. “After high school, I plan to continue my education and work toward a career in aesthetician and get my real estate license.” And giving back remains central to who she is. “I love giving back to my community. I volunteer whenever I can, whether it’s helping at local events, supporting school activities, I’ve started a free baby closet in my community five years ago to help struggling parents and grandparents raising children. Making a difference for others is something that’s really important to me.”
