YHS cheer squad earns 65 ribbons

Submitted Photo

Five members of the Yosemite High School cheer squad made all-star teams during cheerleading camp at Santa Barbara this summer. All smiles are Anne Brooks, Olivia Bewarder, Brittany Shapiro, Jessica Hansard and Melanie Johnson.

 

 

SANTA BARBARA — Twenty-six of the 31 Yosemite High School cheerleaders walked away from cheerleading camp this summer with more than 65 ribbons awarded for dance, cheer, spirit, hard work, and attitudes.

They participated in the 2002 Universal Cheerleader Association [UCA] and Universal Dance Association [UDA] camp held last month the University of California, Santa Barbara.

 Varsity pep, varsity cheer, and JV varsity pep and four of the JV squad members took home two trophies — superior drill down and superior squad, the leadership award, the “Big Baller” award (given for the first time ever at UDA), and a spirit stick every night.

Heather Hyatt was crowned the “Drill Down Queen” for varsity pep. Varsity cheer took home the superior squad trophy and a spirit stick for two days. Five members of the JV squad took home the superior squad trophy and a spirit stick every night.

On the first night of camp, all three squads performed a home dance/pom routine. Varsity pep received a trophy for second place in that competition. This qualifies them for the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Nationals will be held at Walt Disney World and will be televised on ESPN2. Eight of Oakhurst’s finest dancers will compete. Varsity cheer received a superior award from UCA for their home pom routine. JV also brought home a superior award for their home pom routine.

Because of participation at camp, the Yosemite High School cheerleaders were invited to numerous events throughout the school year. The varsity squads qualified for the Pro Bowl in Hawaii to perform during the half-time show, plus they are eligible for the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Yosemite’s seniors were invited to the French Riviera to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade.

In addition, the captains and co-captains can participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York.

Five of the YHS cheerleaders made the all-star teams for UDA/UCA. Senior Jessica Hansard, junior Melanie Johnson and senior Brittany Shapiro from the varsity pep squad all danced their way onto the Universal Dance Associations All-Stars dance team.

The All-Stars dance team travels to Paris to perform. Junior Anne Brooks from the varsity cheer squad, gave it her all and made the Universal Cheerleader Association’s All-Stars team. She has been invited to perform in London with the All-Stars.

Freshman Olivia Bewarder, from the JV squad, showed her stuff and is now part of the Universal Cheerleader Associations JV All-Stars team. This allows Olivia to join the varsity squads to the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

“Our goal is to expand the cheer program at YHS,” says Christy Newell, cheer coach at Yosemite. “With your help, we will be able to send these girls to many of these different competitions and events throughout the year.”

The cheer squads are currently seeking and accepting donations and sponsorships. “Your support is greatly appreciated,” she adds.

Information: Christy Newell at Yosemite High School.