The year is winding to a close and a new cheerleading squad has been chosen, however, the 2011-2012 Alliance High School cheerleading squad has much to be proud of.

Two of their most notable achievements include becoming Camp Champions last July at the Alliance Cheer Camp by receiving first place in every category as well as wining The Banana, which is awarded to the cheer squad with the most spirit. Also, the cheerleaders contributed to a community service called “Pom Poms for PAWS” by raising money via donation cans set out at local businesses’ around town. They then donated the money they earned to PAWS and spent a day cleaning the Alliance Animal Shelter.

With a successful season behind them, the team is looking forward to a new year. Next years’ cheerleading squad will be a combination of wrestling and year-round cheerleaders combined together into one squad. Co-cheerleading coach, and Alliance Middle School paraprofessional, Tara Quick said, “ Next year we will be working on more unity within the cheerleaders and working on sharper movements in cheers and dances.”

This year there were four seniors on the squad, Kallie Young, Bridget Ackerman, Sierra Gonzalez, and Samantha Vorderstrasse. Throughout their years of cheerleading these seniors have made a strong connection with each squad member and have became a “Cheer Family.” They learned how to become more patient and how to be a better influence on the Alliance community and the student body of Alliance High School.

“When I first tried out for cheerleading I was really nervous because I came from St.Agnes and none of my friends were trying out with me. I had to get to know everyone and I was really scared of the high school girls, but I made it and continued to cheer during all four years of high school.” Said Bridget Ackerman. She added, “Cheerleading has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was fun and I got to meet a lot of cool people. It taught me how to be more outgoing and to not be afraid of standing in front of people,” said Bridget Ackerman.

Special Education instructor and co-cheerleading coach Danielle Swanson said, “This cheer season was good overall.  We had our ups and downs, but we are ready to move forward and get ready for the up coming season.”

The new cheerleaders for the 2012/2013 year are junior Liz Olvera, and freshmen Hanna Swanson, Madi Hiemstra, Jazlyn Hausmann, Kaylan Brafford, and Megan Boness.

Good luck girls and thanks for all you do to raise spirits at AHS.