Published: June 28, 2009 11:30 pm      

Lone Oak High School cheer squad earns high honors at camp

LONE OAK — The Lone Oak High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders returned from a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) summer camp in June. The camp was held at the University of North Texas and attracted over 200 cheerleaders from the surrounding areas.

The Lone Oak Cheerleaders did an outstanding job. Together both squads received the following awards:

• A National Championship Bid - This tremendous accomplishment is awarded to the team Bid Winners exemplifying the best technical skill and cheerleading technique.

• Blue Ribbon Superior Awards - Presented to each squad for cheers and chants evaluated at a Superior level.

• Technical Excellence Awards - Awarded to each squad for displaying superior skills in motions during an NCA evaluation.

• Spirit Stick Winners - Presented to the squads each night who show the most sincere spirit and enthusiasm.

• "The Spirit Award"- (megaphone trophy) Presented to both Squads; this prestigious award is voted on by the camp members as the team who exemplifies “true team spirit and camaraderie”. Only one is given for the whole camp. The girls were constantly bragged-on for being courteous, kind, helpful, fun, and very likable.

In addition to the team awards, several individuals were honored with an All-American Nomination. They are: Varsity Captain - Haley Venable, team members - Marilyn Anderson, Rachel Hammons, Chelsea Lyday, Brooke Hinson, Ashton Hale, Kalee Foster, Shelcey Pierson, Amber Wynn, and Mascot, Claire Lynch. Junior Varsity nominees are: Captain - Haley Hinson, team members - Sara Richardson, Courtney McCoy, Courtney Fugler, and Jordan Powell.

Team members vying for the All-American status are judged on motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit and enthusiasm, voice projection and overall crowd appeal. The individuals are also eligible to perform at various NCA special events including National televised parades. Varsity member Shelcey Pierson and JV members Sara Richardson, Courtney McCoy and Captain Haley Hinson were selected as the All-American members. In addition, JV Mascot, Rebecca Graham received the “Most Improved Mascot” trophy for her hard work. Coaches, Jennifer Anderson, Sharon Bishop and Tammy Ragsdale earned their NCA credentials by attending daily workshops and successfully completing the NCA credentials test.

All of the girls did an outstanding job representing not only Lone Oak ISD but also Hunt County! Way to go girls!!!