As the football season approaches an end, there is one sport that’s just started. Cheer began their year with plenty of motivation to carry on throughout their ten month season.
Prior to the start of the school year, cheer attended their annual cheer camp, which is taught by the United Spirit Association. Cheerleaders learn new dances in various genres as they are judged by the United Spirit Association judges. Their efforts culminate on the final day of camp, in which they audition for “All American,” a national competition that takes place in Hawaii and England.
“Since 2002, the girls have always scored [the title of] Superior. I’ve taken Varsity Cheer to Honolulu, Hawaii for four years,” explained Ann Fester, Cheer Adviser, “[They’ve] performed in the Honolulu Pro Bowl three times and competed in the Aloha International Spirit Competition, where they placed in first division.”
The girls’ unwavering success in national competitions inspires the rest of their teammates to put their best efforts in their performances the rest of the year. The morale and energy they present to Selma High with their performances inspires other girls to try out for cheerleading.
“I truly believe students see what these cheerleaders bring to the student body at SHS,” said Ms. Fester, “I get girls who have never cheered before try out…and [they] have made the squad. They want to be a part of the positive spirit.”
The team also takes their positive energy outside of the Selma High campus to the rest of the Selma community. Varsity cheerleaders perform at many community events around town, including the Christmas Parade and the much anticipated Band Festival.
“Every year, the varsity cheer squad goes out and performs for the judges and the spectators, and overall it’s a really fun experience,” said Alyssa Sanchez, a junior in varsity cheer.
The team shows pride in their progress towards the success in their upcoming performances.
“I expect to get really good feedback from students and teachers about our performances,” said Giselle Luna, a senior in varsity cheer.
While football season comes to a close the cheerleaders must start learning new dances and cheers to accommodate the upcoming basketball season. However, the effort put into the ten month long sport isn’t met with complaint, but excitement.
“We’ve had many amazing performances so far, and we have many girls who are committed to the sport on our team,” mentioned Alyssa Sanchez, “We’re all looking forward to basketball season once the football season is over.”
The team’s dedication and the energy they encourage is the reason Ms. Fester advocates for their status as not only cheerleaders, but student athletes.
“To be acknowledged and praised is very important to the cheerleaders. They work hard and there are injuries, just like any other sport,” explained Ms. Fester.
