Bright lights flash as the girls prepare for their biggest performance of the year. The crowd grows quiet in anticipation as the girls set their places on the big stage. Each of them look towards one another. They smile. And then, they perform.

Varsity cheer performed in Orlando, Florida on Feb. 16 at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship. The team ended their competition season in sixth place out of 60 teams. To prepare for the championship, the team practiced their full routines or full outs. The team also performed their championship routine in front of a full crowd of their friends and family beforehand

“I love performing in the big arenas,” senior captain Hanna Rae said. “I love the big stages, and having a large crowd always gives me more energy while performing. The energy that I receive from my teammates on the mat with me and the crowd really motivates me to keep going and also give back the same energy in my performance.”

While the team is on deck, or next up to perform, they prepare for their performance with rituals and prayers before getting on stage. On stage, they completed their routine consisting of a sideline or chant, a cheer and a fight song.

The captains have the responsibility to make up routines and formations,” senior captain  Katelyn Orozco, “Ensure that we all look put together, [such as having] correct uniform, hair [and more]. And, most of all, uplift and help our team become the best it can be. I always try to tell the girls how proud I am of them when I see growth, whether that be them learning a new skill or performing a routine. I feel that people need constant recognition to understand that their hard work does not go unnoticed, because without it they may feel discouraged and unmotivated to keep going.”

As the spring season was competition season, the last semester was taken up with show season where they cheer at events  like football games, volleyball games and in-charity events. According to Orzoco, there are no off days for the cheerleaders during the first semester of school.

“The thing I’m going to miss most about cheer is football games,” senior Natalie Danton said. “No matter what, we always had so much fun, especially while we got ready before games and the bus rides there. I’m so grateful for this program and all the wonderful memories I got from it.”

The team is now working on rebuilding the team as they begin tryouts for the new season. The upcoming seniors are also trying out for leadership positions to continue the current seniors’ legacies.

“My favorite thing about the team is our ability to make anything fun,” Orozco said. “We are constantly laughing and having fun with each other. The bond we have is like no other. But when it comes time to focus and work, we get things done.”