On May 26, 2022, I was selected as a Panguitch High cheerleader to be a team captain alongside Chanlee Owens. The great thing about cheerleading is that it is composed of every individual’s talents working together in unison to create something spectacular.
From June 20 through 22, Panguitch High cheerleaders had the opportunity to go to a USA Cheer camp where we learned routines to use throughout the year, gained an understanding of how we can be better as spirit leaders, and geared a lot of focus towards improving our team unity.
Our small team of 10 girls was awarded a superior award, spirit award, and multiple ribbons- a small team but very, very mighty. We had a fantastic camp with a three-time national cheerleader champion, Sheridan Maia. Sheridan reassured us multiple times that we were full of endless possibilities. “You are a team full of potential, and together you girls will go far this year.”
As well as these substantial team awards, multiple girls were consistently awarded with individual awards. Ryley Veater (that’s me) received an All-American Cheerleader Award. Fifty-two girls tried out to be All-Americans, and ten girls were selected. This specific award is given to cheerleaders with superior technical skills, leadership, and strong personal values. Atli Blevins and Ryley Veater received Pin it Forwards. Pin it forward represents why America needs cheerleaders. These cheerleaders have the characteristics of leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness, and motivation. Chanlee Owens and Ryley Veater were also pulled aside by the staff after and were asked to fill out a form to try out to be USA staff members.
I am so grateful and humbled to be able to work with these amazing girls this year and cheer on PHS. Go Bobcats!
Together from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, you will always find Panguitch High cheerleaders handling themselves with focus, hard work, and confidence. It may not always be easy to be the school spirit leader. Still, the result of being able to cheer on the sidelines and dance on the floor in front of a community are memories that each individual will carry with them throughout their lifetime.
– by Ryley Veater (17) Panguitch
Feature image caption: The Panguitch High School cheer team attended a USA Cheer Camp where they learned not only floor routines, but also how to be a better, more unified team. Courtesy Ryley Veater.
Contributor
Ryley Veater is a contributing writer from Panguitch High School. From time to time, The Byway receives submissions from high school kids, and we almost always publish these submissions. Sometimes the youth surprise us with their ideas, but it is certainly a joy to see what this generation has to say about the world and their place in it.