Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Barbaree explains cheerleading duties

Katie Barbaree was Gurdon's Rotary Club guest speaker at last Thursday's meeting.

Barbaree is a sophomore at Gurdon High School. She represents the Gurdon Go-Devil cheerleaders and spoke to Rotary about the hard work and what it takes to be a cheerleader.

Barbaree said, "When I begin the new school year I will enter the halls of Gurdon High School as a sophomore. I will also enter the halls as a Gurdon Go-Devil cheerleader. As a young person living in the world today, I realize how blessed I am to live in a community that supports it's youth to the extent that Gurdon does."

Barbaree also explained how cheerleading was no longer a popularity contest. She explained how tryouts are held every March with 12 spots to fill on the team.

"To receive one of those spots is an honor," said Barbaree.

Each person must be judged on jumps, tumbling, motions, dance performance, spirit and facial expressions. Seventy points must be made to be considered for the squad.

Barbaree explained how cheerleading is now categorized as a sport. Therefore it is important for all cheerleaders to train and condition.

"We practice long, often and train hard. Most of us are in gymnastics programs. Our squad this year consists of seven seniors; which are Lacey Jester, Bonnie Ferguson, Andi Finley, Tamerea Henry, Lavonda Buford, Jamie Smith and Claya Calley. One junior; Jill Plyler, and four sophomores, Taylor Pace, Blair Griffin, Haleigh McDaniel and myself.

Each girl brings some special talent to this team. I feel that this will be a special year for this squad and each girl involved."

Barbaree expressed how blessed she felt the squad is for having Becky Jester and Polley Ferguson as cheerleading sponsors.

Barbaree said she hoped Gurdon would come and support the Go-Devils football team and cheerleading squad.