Cheerleading--Kyle Dwiggins

Who loves cheerleading? Merit does! Meit’s first cheer squad formed this year just in time to cheer for both the boys’ and girls’ teams.
Though she was never a cheerleader herself, Mrs. Stephanie Cox is the cheerleader coach for the squad. Sophomore Sam Murray said, “She’s a good coach, she keeps us on task.” When asked if senior and co-founder for the squad, Haeleigh Royall liked Coach Cox, she responded, “YES! I like her very much, she listens a lot, she understands us, and also takes suggestions and uses them.”
The cheerleaders had to challenge themselves to get on the team and do their best since this being on a first year squad. Junior Sarah Ashcraft said, “I told myself I was going to make a commitment, and I went for it!”
The girls believe that cheerleading provides them with skills that will last them for years to come. Junior Ingrid Rawle is excited to continue cheerleading next year. She commented (in a British accent), “I would much enjoy doing it next year!”
The girls did more than just cheer at sporting events. They continued practicing until the end of the year in preparation for The Merit Cheerleading Invitational, an event that the team planned and competed in. Fellow charter schools participated in the event that showcased half-time routines, time-out routines, stunt competitions, consecutive toe-touch competitions, and standard cheers. Senior and co-founder Madison Reece said, "The competition was a good experience for the squad. It opened up opportunities for the girls to learn to perform and compete under pressure."
The squad ended their season with a Merit Junior Cheer Clinic for Kindergartners through eighth graders. They taught jumps, kicks, cheers, and a dance. "It's a great way for our cheerleaders to share their talents and become more involved in the community. It also allows us to raise money for our future cheer squad," said Miss Cox.
One thing is for sure—Merit loves its cheer squad, and the cheer squad loves them back. Not only do the sports teams look forward to hearing new cheers next sports season, the school looks forward to cheering on our cheerleaders as they compete in competitions of their own ! If you are interested in joining the squad, please talk to the coach, Mrs. Cox. They are looking for more cheerful Merit students!