Every school’s foundation is built on school spirit, and the heart of that at Seminole High School (SHS) can be found with our cheer team. The team is more than just performances and routines, they are a group of hardworking, unified, and determined girls all striving for greatness in their sport.
The cheer team can be found in many places throughout the school week, whether it is showing school spirit at the pep rallies, cheering on the football players at every game, or even just throughout the school day wearing their uniforms. There are three different divisions that can be made at tryouts. The first team is the freshman team, which consists of students in the ninth grade. The other two teams are Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity, two teams that are made up of 10th through 12th grade students. In many cases, each team will work together in their dances and alongside each other at different events.
Over the summer, the girls practiced together and conditioned to get ready for the tryouts at the beginning of the year. For freshmen, tryouts were on May 28th, and for JV and Varsity, they were in March. Many people find their outlet of joy through cheer, and junior/varsity cheerleader Kennedy Oliver said this: “My favorite thing about cheer is the sense of teamwork and friendships. I love how everyone works together to perfect routines and support each other, both on and off the mat. Plus, the excitement of performing with all my friends is amazing.”
The cheerleaders are not only limited to the football games, and can also be spotted supporting our basketball teams at select games. Each routine is combined with energy filled chants, loud and engaging chants, and complex thought out dance moves to draw in the crowd.
Cheerleading is split into two seasons, sideline cheer and competition cheer. Competing in sideline cheer does not mean you have to compete in the national competition, though if you do choose to participate in competition cheer, the national competition is a must. Cheerleaders can participate in both seasons, which only increases their skills and their craft.
The team always has its eyes set on the national championship, and throughout the year the cheerleaders work to perfect the routines that they will have on display at the championship competition. Last year, the SHS cheerleading team made it to the state championships and came home with the title.
When senior Janelis Polanco was asked what about cheer she missed, Polanco said, “I think one of the things I’ll miss most about my cheer team is the incredible support we shared within each other. Me and the girls are more than just teammates, we’re a family, always there to lift each other up, even when things aren’t perfect. The countless hours spent practicing routines, perfecting stunts, and cheering each other on created a bond that goes beyond the cheer mat. I’ll also miss the laughs, the FNL, and even the challenges that brought us closer together. Being part of such a dedicated and passionate group has been an unforgettable experience, and the memories we’ve made will always hold a special place in my heart.”