July 28, 2015
The Arkadelphia High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad attended an NCA Performance Camp last week. NCA is the world's most original cheerleading company. With a dedication to innovation and a passion for leadership NCA has paved the way for modern day cheerleading. The forefather of many cheerleading "firsts" Lawrence Herkimer is the pioneer of the most prestigious cheerleading company in the world—The National Cheerleaders Association.
AHS Cheer competed in two competitions in camp and received numerous awards. Awards earned include two superior ribbons for their game day chant and their performance routine, a national championship bid, a Herkie Team Award (voted by other squads at camp for teamwork), technical excellence in showmanship and pyramid for their competition routine. The squad also brought home a first place trophy for their performance routine—earning an invitation to cheer during the Pre-Game Show for the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
Eight cheerleaders were nominated for a spot on the All-American Team. NCA Staff nominates campers for NCA All-American in the categories of Leadership, Dance, Motions, Jumps, Stunts and Tumbling. Three of the eight nominated tried out and scored well enough to earn a spot on the All-American Team: Anaya Hunter, AHS Cheer Captain; Abby White, AHS Cheer Co-Captain; and Baylee Bethell, AHS Cheer Sophomore. AHS Cheer will be proudly cheering on the sidelines for the AHS football and basketball teams this year as well as competing in cheer competitions across the state. AHS Cheer is coached by Whitney Ivy.
AHS Cheer pictured with their awards. Front row: Mary Kate Jester, Baylee Bethell, Anaya Hunter, Abby White, & Chandler Taylor. Second row: Kacie Thomas, Madison Ledford, Abby Turner, and Evelyn Durrett. Top Row: Julie Lett, Addy Groom, Caroline Cissell, Kamryn Thorne, and Emilee Roberson. Not pictured: Heather Jester.