Parents can play a big role in the extracurricular activities of their children. While they may not be able to do the things for them, Shelly Dugger says that being their support can go a long way in who they will become.

“I believe every parent should make whatever it is that their kid is interested in their priority,” she said. “Having interest and understanding about your child’s passions give a parent a valuable way to connect with their child, support their growth, and also sit back and watch them become the man or woman they are destined to be. The window of opportunity to support this kind of growth in our children is pretty short.”

Shelly is the proud mother of four. Russel is a senior year at Catoosa and will be playing college football next season. Dylan is a sophomore, playing football and running track for the Indians. Brooklynn is an eighth grader and Gabriel is in the fourth grade. The activities schedule can be busy at times, but Shelly says she does whatever she can be as many places as possible.

“Some days we have kids in two to three different towns, even states, so it’s not possible to be at everything. But it’s guaranteed that I will try to make it happen.”

Along with being there to support and cheer on her kids, Dugger also helps as much as she can with school activities. She also says that she is proud to see her kids attending a great school in a great community.

“I am very active with the quarterback club,” she said. “I willingly volunteer as much as I can to support my sons and every single player and coach on their team. Catoosa is a great community. It is a smaller town with a lot of people who genuinely have an interest in supporting our young athletes. Not only on the field but also guiding them into becoming well-rounded, successful young adults.”

When she is not cheering on her kids or volunteering at events, Dugger is a physical therapist that specializes in orthopedics.