As football, volleyball and other fall sports around the state continue preseason practices and workouts to prepare for their upcoming seasons, cheerleaders, band, and other groups are also working very hard, as well. In today’s edition, Resident Press will focus on the Paris Jr. High cheerleaders.
After a rain front that moved through Paris early this morning, the Paris Jr. High cheerleaders were up early to begin another day of August practice. When I arrived at 8 a.m. to photograph the squad, the team had already reported and was stretching in the middle school gymnasium to begin practice. It takes quite a commitment to be a cheerleader, and our community can be proud of the work these girls have invested to represent their school and community in the upcoming school year.
Members of the team include Meleah Ahart, Kaylee Biggs, Haylee Clark, Rylee Haller, Ashton Ihle, Emerson Komp, Elizabeth Moore, Bella Nelson, Sophia Perreault, Kirsten Schneider, Shira Stepp, Alexis Whitson, and Abby Yarnell. The Paris junior high cheerleaders are coached this year by Annabeth Robertson. Not pictured is Shira Stepp.
Coach Robertson could not be more pleased with this group of girls. “I’m excited…with everything going on this year we have done our best to bring the boys the best support, enthusiasm, and performances we can. Today was our first practice to stunt, and the girls were so excited. We are also excited to see what this year will bring. I can’t wait to share with our fans what we have been doing all summer!”
In addition to the physical and the time commitments to be a cheerleader, participants must maintain eligibility standards as set forth by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) that includes minimum grade point and other factors. Additionally, each team around the state has local policies that address such issues as school attendance, conduct, and participation. The Paris junior high cheerleaders, like other cheerleader squads across Arkansas, have made these commitments, and they can all be very proud of their work and pride that they show each day.
Each year, much is written about football and volleyball teams as they work to prepare for their upcoming seasons. But spirit support groups such as band and cheerleaders work very hard as well to perfect their skills and to come together as a group to produce great performances each week. Additionally, the groups compete statewide with other cheer groups in various competitions. As a developmental squad, the Paris junior high cheerleaders are working to eventually become the next class of high school cheerleaders as they progress over the next four years.
Congratulations to this great group and their coach, Annabeth Robertson, and best wishes for a great 2020-21 school and sports year! In the words of Captain Kirsten Schneider, “I can’t wait to bring on the new season with the girls! GO EAGLES!”
