When people think of a cheerleader, they think of an individual who is dedicated to supporting one or more people in their efforts to succeed in some capacity.

They think of a student who is well-liked and well-known among their peers and an individual who is fortunate enough to be chosen to lead the student body at athletic and other special events.

What most people don’t realize is the incredible amount of work that is invested from any student who chooses to make cheer their passion during high school.

Cheerleaders at Star Valley High School work extremely hard to fulfill all the obligations linked to their privilege as they make a year-long commitment to the squad, maintain a high academic standing, and reach out to the entire student body to inspire and unite them in school support and spirit.

“Cheer at SVHS requires year-round dedication and practice, extreme athletic skill, strength and flexibility, enthusiasm, good sportsmanship, exemplary conduct, and high academic performance,” said Karlie Philpott, SVHS Head Cheer Coach. “That is what sets an SVHS Cheerleader apart from other activities and cheer teams.”

A cheerleader’s year begins in the spring with tryouts.Each member of the squad is selected by a panel of adults watching for the necessary skills and abilities.

Immediately following tryouts, practices and camps begin and continue throughout the summer as the team works on learning new material, skill mastery, strength and conditioning.

“My favorite part about cheer is the family that comes with it,” said squad senior Sammi Schneider. “No matter what, you have a team that will always have your back. I can never thank enough all the girls who have been by my side for the last four years!”

The team also spends time in the summer planning and executing fundraising projects for the cheer program. Their biggest fundraiser is the concession stand during the Search and Rescue Rodeo.

“Each summer, our cheer parents combine efforts to help fundraise for our team,” said Philpott. “We couldn’t do it without them. I’m always amazed at the support and generosity of our parents and community.”

For the SVHS Cheer Squad, Fall is filled with what is called Scholastic Cheer in which the team promotes school spirit, leading fans at school sporting events and other school assemblies. They prepare and perform cheers, stunts and routines for various events, participate in parades, create signs, help with posting the colors and lead the student body in the school song as needed. They are also responsible for Senior Nights at sporting events and they furnish the Homecoming Dummy.

The winter cheer season turns to Competitive Cheer, in which select Varsity and Junior Varsity Scholastic Cheer Squad members prepare for the state competition.

SVHS Cheer is preparing to compete against approximately 12 other cheer squads in the Wyoming 3A State Spirit Competition on Wednesday, March 11 at the Casper Event Center.

“During the state competition, the team performs two routines in front of judges where they are scored on their cheering, dancing, crowd involvement, jumping, tumbling and stunting abilities,” said Philpott. “Members of the state team practice three to four nights a week and continue to participate in their scholastic team duties.”

In the Game-Day routine, each team is evaluated on their ability to lead the crowd, proper game day skill performance, motion, dance and overall routine.

The Stunt category uses technical skills found in cheerleading such as partner stunts, jumps, tumbling, pyramids, and basket tosses.

“This is only the second year for the Game-Day category, and we are very excited to compete,” said Philpott. “Our team works really hard during the school year cheering at games and sporting events to help engage and lead the crowd. The Stunt category, however, is our favorite and where we spend most of our practice time learning and mastering new stunt skills.”

Another important aspect of cheer squad participation is service. These students have volunteered to help with the Special Olympics, the LCSD2 Back-to-School Carnival, Braves in Action projects, Relay for Life, the Nashville Tribute Band Benefit Concert, and Star Valley Good Samaritan fundraisers.

The SVHS Cheer team has also adopted a highway and take time every spring and fall to clean the highway.
The highlight of the cheer season is Junior Cheer Week when the SVHS Cheerleaders take young aspiring cheerleaders under their wing to mentor and perform with them.

“I love all the friendships I have been able to create,” said squad senior Addy Wilkes. “I also love how hard we all push ourselves to be the best cheerleaders we can become.”

“Cheer is my safe haven to escape from the outside world,” said squad senior Hailey Astle. “I love making friends and the sisterhood that is formed throughout the season. I love being able to show off at games and competitions all the cool stunts we work so hard to master. I also enjoy supporting and cheering for everyone and helping out in the community.”

“The SVHS Cheer Team is only part of the Spirit Groups at Star Valley High School,” said Philpott. “The cheerleaders rely heavily on the amazing Pep Band, enthusiastic super fans, and spirited dance team to lead the crowd and cheer on the sports teams. We believe the success and growth of the team is reflective of the support and encouragement shown by parents, the Athletic Director, Principal, Faculty and Community members. We are excited for our upcoming State Competition and honored to represent Star Valley.”

One thing is clear – these students are leaders in their school and in their sport.

“Anytime you have the opportunity to lead, you also have the opportunity to serve,” said Philpott. “I believe it’s crucial that we give our young people the chance to experience the joy of service as they learn to lead.”