Showing their spirit: Jackson High School cheerleaders

Young team. New coaches. Fresh perspective. The Jackson High School varsity cheerleading squad doesn't have a senior among its ranks, but it's posting some big successes. The team took first at regionals, 12th at state and second at a recent local cheer competition. More importantly, said assistant coach Jana Scott, these cheerleaders are bringing back the pep to Jackson athletics. "They're keeping that energy level up," Scott said.

Meet 16-year-old junior Alyssa Kowalski, one of the returning leaders of the team.

Years cheering: Three

Why do you like cheerleading? I think it's fun getting the crowd pumped up. I love football season. The crowd reacts with the things we're doing, and it's good to keep them motivated. I know it helps the teams that are playing.

What are the biggest challenges? This year we started competing to go to state. We had a lot of hard practices. Sometimes you want to give up, but in the end it will all be worth it. The hardest part is just pushing yourself to practice.

What's your most embarrassing moment? At competition this year, I fell on my face twice. I'm fine.

What's your favorite food? Chocolate chip pizza at Pizza Inn.

What do you want to do when you graduate? I wanted to go to the University of Florida and get into nursing. Now I'm not sure about the college, but I want to get into nursing.

What's your fondest memory of high school so far? With cheerleading, it's brought me into friendships I never would have put myself out there for before. One girl I never talked to before, but because of cheerleading we've become really close.

What advice would you offer new cheerleaders? You have to cheer from your heart. You really, like, have to give it 110 percent all the time.