Published: August 27, 2008 11:55 pm            

CHS Cheer garners awards

From Staff Reports



The Corsicana High School Varsity Cheerleaders brought home several awards from a National Cheerleader Association (NCA) summer camp.

The camp was held at Emerald Beach in Corpus Christi and attracted more than 175 cheerleaders from the surrounding states. The squad is made up of Ashley Gegenheimer (captain), Chelsea David-Nickolay (Sr. Lt.), Mandie Newsome, Britnie Starkey, Courtney Wigley, Lane Watkins (Jr. Lt.), Lauren Tidwell, Katy Rogers, Jill Edling, Amy Bruckner, Ashley Tekell, Tauren Kitchen and Michael Williams.

The National Cheerleaders Association selects award winners at each of the 1,000 camps it administers around the world each summer. Founded in 1948 by L.R. Herkimer, NCA has been conducting camps for 60 years and holds events annually for 150,000 cheerleaders and dancers around the world.

The CHS Varsity Cheerleaders received eight superior (blue) ribbons for their performances during daily evaluations. These evaluations measure precision, execution of skills, and overall performance of cheers and chants learned while at camp. The squad also earned a bid to NCA’s Senior and Junior High School National Championship in December. This competition brings in over 20,000 of the nation’s cheerleaders.

In addition the squad received an award for Technical Excellence. This was awarded for displaying superior skills in jumps. The S.P.O.T. Award was also given to the squad for using safety while stunting, spotting and displaying proper stunt techniques. This award recognizes the squad for making safety a top priority.

As part of the four day curriculum, NCA selects individuals as All American Nominees who display strength in one of the following categories: motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance, or leadership. Every member of the 2008-2009 CHS Varsity Cheer Squad was named as an All American Nominee.

Three cheerleaders — Amy Bruckner, Chelsea David-Nickolay and Mandie Newsome — and both CHS Tiger Mascots — Michael Williams and Tauren Kitchen — were named as All American Team Members. This is the most prestigious award in cheerleading today.

Along with being named as All American Mascots, Michael Williams and Tauren Kitchen were given an award for Best Skit. Tauren Kitchen also was awarded Most Spirited Mascot.

        

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