Three years ago, Coaches Taye Starks and Ashley Means, founded an elementary cheer squad at Cherokee Elementary. This year, these 3rd-5th graders competed across the state, placing first in competitions and securing a full bid to The One Global Finals in Orlando, Florida where they once again took the top prize. They brought home championship rings and have been selected to compete against other elementary school squads to become the One Global Champion on June 1. 

 

Cheerleading is often an underfunded sport with the benefits appearing to be merely perquisites. But having been a cheer mom for twelve years with a brief stint as a cheer sponsor, I can assure you that cheerleading teaches our young citizens so much more. Self-awareness and confidence build mental health positivity. Team building fosters a communal sense of effort and goal-setting while also building social development. Physically demanding as well, cheer creates stronger bodies while routine memorization creates stronger minds. The glitz and glam are the seasoning; the meat of cheer is in the hard work and perseverance. 

 

Cherokee Elementary’s cheer team has had no shortage of challenges this year from a gym fire to transportation issues to a necessity for borrowed safety mats yet these students retained the positive attitudes and fighting spirits of true athletes. 

 

Team members include Naylah Roman, Rylee Robinson, Janiyah Smith, Skylar Joseph, Jaia Battles, Kynleigh Minor, Aubrey Davis, Ariana Orozco, Kennedy Breimel, Phoenix Groomes, Oliva Berry, Ansley Elder, Landry Breimel, Enielyz Torres, Macie Keys, Amari White, Amiyah Jones, and Karmen Alston.

 

A recently created GoFundMe for the team will allow for the purchase of the school’s own cheer safety mats. To show your support visit https://gofund.me/544907b3

 

Coach Starks shares “I am thrilled to share with you the incredible journey of the Cherokee Indians competitive cheer team during the 2023-2024 season. (Our team) showed incredible resilience, determination, and teamwork that ultimately led to their success and accomplishment.

 

“The pinnacle of our season came on May 10, 2024, in Orlando, FL, when the Cherokee Indians competed against 3 other elementary competitive cheer teams from larger cities and were named 1st place champions in their division, leading by an impressive 10.59 points. This victory was a testament to the girls’ hard work, perseverance, and ability to depend on one another.

 

“I am incredibly proud of each and every member of the Cherokee Indians competitive cheer team for their outstanding performance and for making the 2023-2024 competition season a resounding success.”

 

Contributing to the fundraiser is investing in the lives of these students and promoting whole child development through extracurricular activities not funded by the district. Show your support for a team who has shown us how to overcome adversity and still emerge victorious!