By Aubrey Santo and Grace Rodriguez
Everley Cheek, Gianna Burke, Lola Johnson, and Presley Cheek competed for top honors and won!
At a recent cheer competition in Kissimmee, Florida, four GCA students placed in the top three, each on teams from Cheer Kingdom in Trinity, Florida. Fifth-grader Lola Johnson's team came in at 3rd place as did fourth grade's Gianna and sixth-grade's Everley Cheek’s team, while Presley Cheek, grade 8, saw her dance team take 1st place!
Teams at Cheer Kingdom are not determined by age, but by skill so there is no set age division, the girls said. Some start as beginners, while others register with a background in dance, cheer or acrobatics. Skilled coaches work with them to grow in talent and work ethic.
“I started dancing when I was two years old, but I didn't join Cheer Kingdom until 5 years ago,” Presley Cheek said.
While Presley and Everley are actual sisters, Lola Johnson and Everley Cheek are cheer sisters. During the season most girls get a cheer sister, Everley said. This is when an older and younger girl get paired up. Athletes fill out a form about them and if they have a recommendation for who they want as a cheer sister, then the coaches collaborate and make pairs the best they can.
Lola said her and Everley text a lot and give gifts such as fuzzy socks, water bottles, tee shirts, candy and many more things.
"I love having a cheer sister because she lifts me up and teaches me new tricks and stunts," Lola said. "I love her so so so much!”
Cheerleading is all about attitude, the girls said.
“I think to myself; don't mess up,” Gianna Burke said. Presley said she prays that God will give her the strength to win. Lola said she and friends go in a circle and say positive things about each other!
All these amazing athletes love and appreciate their time in cheer and dance. The inspire younger athletes to join and hope to inspire many more. Congratulations to them!
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