Just like any other sports team, cheer squads depend on each member to be prepared and do their part to help the team be successful. Whether that is at a cheer competition or on the sideline of a Friday night football game, it is vital that they work well together.
Liz Mitchell is the cheer coach at Pawnee High School, where she has been for fourteen years. She says that her team this year does a great job of this.
“I think that our team’s biggest strengths are the ability to adapt and overcome difficult situations,” she said proudly.
During her years as coach, Mitchell’s squads have the hardware to show that they are not just outstanding cheerleaders, but also great students.
“Our teams have had the honor of being nine time Academic Achievement Award winners, two-time Regional Champions, and two-time Game Day State Qualifiers,” Mitchell said.
Unique Stewart is a senior this year and as a member of the Pawnee cheer team, she enjoys seeing her community come together and support the school
“Cheering for Pawnee is fun because it’s such a close and comforting community,” she said. “You know that on Friday nights the stands will be packed and you will always feel supported. The energy in Pawnee is electric.”
Another senior on the team, Claire Clymer, says that she likes being a part of the team and cheering alongside her teammates.
“What I enjoy most about my team is how hardworking everyone is,” Clymer said. “More than half of our squad is either new or new to their position, and still each girl has done her part to strengthen our team. It’s been exciting to watch and experience the progress we’ve made together.”
The team does more than cheer together, they also do their part to help teachers in the district.
“Each summer our squad collects school supplies or gift cards for teachers and does a ‘Spoil the Teacher’ presentation at the end of the summer,” Mitchell said. “We give one teacher from each of our three school buildings a gift they can use for their classrooms or for themselves.”
Payton Lytle and Caitlyn Hawkins are both also seniors on the squad this season. They both love cheering and as they look back on their career, their team has always been important to them.
“The thing I love most is the memories and all the time we get to spend together, there is never a dull moment,” Lytle said.
Hawkins added, “I love that everyone on my team is supportive. Every time we hit a new stunt or reach one of our cheer goals, we cheer each other on and are happy for each other.”
