Cheer:

From breathtaking routines to the positive vibes during games, OHS cheer has always worked diligently to be a source of high school spirit. OHS has built an excellent cheer squad, which is shown by the program’s first place win at nationals this year.

With many competitions back to back throughout the year, the team practices every day. This can be stressful for many of the members, but they handle it like professionals.

“It can be a busy schedule. [We] have practice Monday through Thursday [at 4:00] in the morning and then after school on Tuesday, and have a game or competition that following week,” said Maliyah Samuels, senior.

During this year’s season, cheer has managed to get 5th in state and has also qualified for nationals in both of its teams: competition and 5-man. The teams will be going to the competition in California, which is a great achievement in itself. 

“Being in first place at our national qualifier for both of our teams—that was super big,” Samuels said. “[We have gone] to nationals every single year I have been [on] the team, we have always qualified.”

Many of the OHS cheerleaders have years of experience under their belt.

“I was in all-star cheer for over 10 years and I wanted to try high school cheer,” said Abigail Fitzpatrick, sophomore.

Cheer significantly contributes to the atmosphere of school athletic events, but they also do volunteer events at Christ’s Church of the Valley and around the community to help people.

“It’s been so much fun. We do a lot of cool volunteering events and we get to be really involved with [the] school,” Samuels said.

With all the events and performances, many cheerleaders like to focus on having fun. No matter how stressful and hectic it gets they never forget to enjoy themselves while doing what they love.

“We always find a way to make practices fun,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s just the little jokes we share between each other that I love.”

Pom:

Pom has given many exceptional performances this year. From qualifying for nationals to being fifth at state, many of pom’s competitions have been successful. It is hard to be disappointed by Pom’s performances.

In the state competition, pom placed 8th out of 19 teams and placed 5th in Jazz. For the national qualifier, pom also placed 1st and jazz placed 5th. All of these performances and achievements have really made the OHS spiritline team stronger.

“I feel like [pom is] a really good experience,” said Madison Moten, sophomore. “The mornings are hard but it’s really fun when you get to know everyone and just do what you love.” 

At times it may be difficult for students to balance their studies and sports together, but having friends and coaches who motivate and encourage them is always helpful.

“The early morning practices are kind of hard sometimes but you are with a ton of people that you have a great bond with and great connection with,” said Grace Shelton, senior. “So it is a lot of fun to just be able to push through those practices together like a team.”