PHS Cheerleaders are Award Winners;

After Returning from National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Camp

by Dennis Gonzales & The Pratt Tribune

August 01, 2007

The Pratt High Cheerleaders recently returned from a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) summer camp. The camp was held at Kansas State University, which was home for 20 schools and over 40 squads.

The Greenback cheerleaders are coached by Susan Pixler and Christy Simpson.

The NCA selects award winners at each of the over 1,100 camps it administers around the world each summer. Founded in 1948 by L.R. Herkimer, NCA has been conducting camps for 58 years.

The Greenback Cheerleaders received the following awards: National Championship Bid winner. This tremendous accomplishment is awarded to the team exemplifying the best technical skill and cheerleading techniques. This bid is extended to teams to compete at the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship or the NCA All-Star National Championship, both held in Dallas, Texas.

The NCA Championships are the world's largest cheerleading events, bringing in over 20,000 of the nation's cheerleaders for the nation's most exciting cheerleading competition. KSHSAA regulations prohibit Kansas squads from competing.

The Greenback squad also received the Spirit Stick - presented to the squad showing the most sincere spirit and enthusiasm throughout the entire week at camp. At all formal evaluations, the Varsity Squad received Superior Ribbon Awards. The Varsity was also recognized with a Technical Excellence award for superior skills in stunting.

Following the final evaluation, the Varsity received the Team Award which is determined by the squads at camp. This award recognizes leadership, values and teamwork within the squad. The JV received Excellence Ribbons following the first evaluation and Superior for their final evaluation as well as a Spirit Stick.

Also at the camp, four squad members received nominations to try out for the All-American Team. Hillary Dixon, Chere Nash, Macy Waddle, and Desiree Housworth were nominated based on their jumps, tumbling, and spirit and enthusiasm. Dixon and Nash tried out and Dixon was selected as an NCA All American. NCA All-American is considered one of the most prestigious awards in cheerleading today. Only 11 individuals received this honor from over 100 who tried out.

Dixon was judged on motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit and enthusiasm, voice projection and overall crowd appeal. She is eligible to perform at various NCA Special Events.

Members of the 2007-08 Greenback Varsity Cheer Squad are Ariel Amaro, Whitney Austin, Kelsey Brown, Hillary Dixon, Kaylee Gripe, Hannah Melichar, Chere Nash, Meghan Oeding, Courtney Reh, Kelsy Roberts, Carly Simpson, Stephanie Voss, Macy Waddle, Katie Burkhalter, Desiree Housworth, Oakley Mock, Kristen Paramore, Breann Parker, Hillary Sims, and Jordan White. (Hannah Melichar was unable to attend cheer camp).

Go Greenback Cheer Squad!!