CJHS cheerleaders secure top awards

The beaming Cape Central Junior High Cheerleaders pictured above are the recipients of the prestigious Herkie Team plaque, in recognition of overall excellence in cheerleading, not to mention a special invitation to perform at an upcoming National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) special event and a bid to participate at national competition in February. The trophies, plaques, ribbons and certificates are the result of the teams' hard work, explained Head Cheerleading Coach Laura Gunn.

Other awards earned at the NCA summer camp last month include the S.P.O.T. safety award, Spirit Stick, Superior and Excellent ribbons for cheers and chants, Game Day Top Team Trophy in their division as well as Champion Chant Trophy in their division. Seventeen cheerleaders were nominated for NCA All-American: Anna Margetta, Caroline Rollins, Conner Propst, Olivia Priest, Jordyn Castillo, Alexis Phillips, Yasdani Gonzalez, Sophia Wojdylo, Madilyn Dunn, Connor Murphy, Cierra McKinley, Liz Orr, Claudia Price, Greta Shipman, Madison Dush, Drew Kasten and Kiera Grigsby. Two cheerleaders, Madison Dush and Keira Grigsby, were named to the NCA All-American squad.

Pictured in the front row are Captains Anna Margetta and Caroline Rollins. In the second row are Co-Captains Conner Propst and Olivia Priest. Third row: Jordyn Castillo, Alexis Phillips, Yasdani Gonzalez, Sophia Wodjylo, Madilyn Dunn, Caitlyn Dumey, Connor Murphy and Cierra McKinley. Back row: Kierra Grigsby (Tiger Mascot), Kunita Williams, Liz Orr, Tara Hester, Hope Tegel, Claudia Price, Drew Kasten, Greta Shipman and Madison Dush. Assistant Cheerleading Coach is Michal Whitehorn.