Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cheerleaders Attend UALR Camp

Recently the Gurdon Junior High and Senior High cheerleaders attended cheerleader camp at UALR.

During the four days of camp, they learned various stunts, pyramids, cheers, chants and dances.

The first night each squad competed by bringing a home cheer and performing it in front of the other squads and NCA staffers.

The second and third night's competition was based on a cheer and chant they performed that was learned during that day. The senior squad received six superior ribbons and two excellent ribbons. They also received a spirit stick the first night, and an overall spirit stick to bring home.

Each individual on the senior squad was nominated for All-American. Jodi Purifoy, Chady Calley, Emereal Hendrix and Kea'Launda Ritchie tried out for All-American.

The junior squad received seven superior ribbons and one excellent ribbon. They were awarded the spirit stick every night and then one to bring home.

Claya Calley, Jill Plyler, Lacy Jester, Tracy Coplen, Bonnie Ferguson, Taylor Pace and Andi Fendley were nominated for All-American. Claya Calley made the All-American team.

This year they were involved in a new competition called top gun. Each individual could compete on the basis of jumps, tumbling and dance.

Senior cheerleaders Kea'Launda Ritchie and Ebony Crow and junior cheerleaders Claya Calley, Andi Fendley and Tamerea Henry competed in the jumps category. They all did a great job, with Andi Fendley being placed in the top gun top ten.

On the final day, senior and junior squads were named finalist in the top team and in the home cheer runoff.

Both squads also participated in champion chant competition.

The junior high squad received the Most Improved trophy, Stunt Smart Safety award and the Team award.

Both squads also received a bid to nationals, which will take place in Dallas, Texas, over the Christmas holidays.