Submitted

Van Alstyne High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading squads and Mascots recently attended the National Cheerleading Association's (NCA) camp at Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

During the week the cheerleaders attended stunting, cheer and dance classes. The Van Alstyne Panther Mascots also attended specialized mascot classes. Each day, the squads and mascots were evaluated by the NCA staff. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads received bids to attend NCA National Competitions.

The VAHS Varsity Cheerleaders received 5 Superior Ribbons and 1 Excellent Ribbon during the Team Cheer evaluations by NCA Staff. The squad also received the S.P.O.T Award for Excellence in spotting and stunting technique, a Technical Excellence Award for stunting, and 2 Spirit Sticks.

The following Varsity Cheerleaders received an All-American Cheerleader nomination: Holly Fortner, Tenielle James, Megan Keathly, Leslie Hillebrenner, Lauren Himmelreich, Hunter Randolph, London Smith, and Christina Wiles. Each All-American Cheerleader nominee had the opportunity to try out for the All-American Team. Christina Wiles was selected as a 2010 NCA All-American Cheerleader.

The VAHS Junior Varsity squad completed their week earning 5 Superior Ribbons and 1 Excellent Ribbon during Team Cheer evaluations. They also received a Technical Excellence Award for Motions and 3 Spirit Sticks.

All-American nominees from the Junior Varsity squad were: Lori Arion, Jessie Brown, Madeline Carroll, Chelle Davis, Jade Grider, Kyley Houston, Meg Jones, Bailey Saxton, and Somer Warren. The JV cheerleaders who were selected as 2010 NCA All-American Cheerleaders were: Lori Arion, Jade Grider and Kyley Houston.

Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Mascots received awards throughout the week. Kasside Luce, Varsity mascot, received the Spirit Stick, the Most Improved Mascot Award, an All-American Mascot nomination, and was named an NCA All-American Mascot. JV mascot, Emily Stanley, received the Spirit Stick, an All-American Mascot nomination and won the Mascot Prop Artist Award.

Varsity Cheerleaders for the 2010-2011 school year are: Cheyenne Buck, Holly Fortner, Leslie Hillebrenner, Lauren Himmelreich (Co-Captain), Tenielle James, Megan Keathly, Kasside Luce (Mascot), Hunter Randolph, Keely Rettmeier, London Smith and Christina Wiles (Captain).

Junior Varsity Cheerleaders are: Lori Arion, Jessie Brown, Madeline Carroll, Chelle Davis, Jade Grider, Kyley Houston, Meg Jones (Captain), Julie Kirley, Bailey Saxton, Emily Stanley (Mascot) and Somer Warren.

The Van Alstyne High School Cheerleaders look forward to using their newly learned skills as they cheer on the Panthers throughout 2010-11.