The cheerleading team will be participating in the UIL Spirit State Championships on Jan. 10-12, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

“It’s our first competition so we really don’t have an idea of what to expect but I’m not worried,” senior Shanna Ryder said. “It can help us build up our confidence and show us ways to improve.”

A lot of hard work goes into their routine, Ryder said.

“We practice every day in class and then once a week after school,” she said.

To prepare they have been watching videos of performances at previous competitions.

“The team has been picking a part the recordings of last year’s routines,” Coach Faith Elmore said. “I see a lot of potential with our team and if they put in the work, I believe we can at least make finals.”

The cheerleaders tried out for the competition squad.

“There’s only one person on Varsity, who isn’t on the UIL team,” cheerleader Aysia Williams said. “A junior varsity cheerleader even joined the team. This means the number of members are back to normal and the formations are easy to remake.”

They will be competing in the 5A division.

“We can get at least third place if not, then higher,” Ryder said. “If we perform like we know we can, I see a win in the future.”

Having fun as a family is most important, Ryder said.

“Of course we want to come home with a trophy but our real goal is to grow better together,” she said. “We are an amazing team and I believe we can do great things.”