JHS cheerleaders receive awards at cheer camp

Back Row (left to right): Brittney Koch, Valerie Drewett (captain), Audrey Peters, Haley Yancey, Taylor Leming, Alyssa Kowalski, Makenzie Qualls, Taylor Matlock (co-captain), Allison Lasater, Logan Clippard Front Row (left to right): Tabbie Martin, Lindsay Berry, Sarah Cronenbold, Kathy Scienski

The JHS Varsity Cheerleaders recently attended a 4-day NCA (National Cheerleading Association) summer camp at SEMO. The NCA selects award winners at each of the over 1,100 camps it administers around the world each summer. Founded in 1948, NCA has been conducting camps for 58 years and holds events annually for over 150,000 cheerleaders and dancers around the world.

The JHS Cheerleaders received the following team awards at the NCA summer camp:

1) National Championship Bid Winner -- This tremendous accomplishment is awarded to the team Bid Winner exemplifying the best technical skill and cheerleading technique. This bid is extended to teams to compete at the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship or the NCA All-Star National Championship. The NCA Championships are the world's largest cheerleading events, bringing in over 20,000 of the nation's cheerleaders for the nation's most exciting cheerleading competitions.

2) Technical Excellence -- Presented to the squad for displaying superior skills in stunting during their NCA evaluation.

3) Superior Cheers & Chants -- The highest rating possible, this was presented to the squad for displaying superior technical motions, jumps, and spirit during their evaluation.

4) Spirit Stick Winner -- Presented to the squad on the last day of camp for showing spirit and enthusiasm throughout the entire week.

As part of the 4-day camp curriculum, the NCA also selects individual award winners:

1) All-American Team Members -- Lindsay Berry and Valerie Drewett were awarded this most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Participants vying for All-American status are judged on motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit and enthusiasm, voice projection and overall crowd appeal. Lindsay and Val are invited to perform at various NCA Special Events including the Hula Bowl in Hawaii.

2) All-American Nominees: Logan Clippard, Sarah Cronenbold, Brittney Koch, Alyssa Kowalski, Allison Lasater, Tabbie Martin, Taylor Matlock, Audrey Peters, Makenzie Qualls, and Haley Yancey each received this award for outstanding strength in one of the following categories: motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance, or leadership. These ladies are also invited to perform at various NCA Special Events including the Hula Bowl in Hawaii.

3) Leadership Award: Valerie Drewett was awarded the Leadership Award for displaying outstanding leadership skills during the captain's class at camp.

The squad had a great time at camp, and would like to wish all Jackson High School sports a great season this fall!