To my High School Cheerleading Team-

I open up Facebook to a notification of a video of your pep rally routine and I am overcome with joy, but also guilt. I feel Joy because it literally makes me so happy to watch you continue to do what you love to do as you all move up in leadership and grow closer as a team behind a screen. I remember some of those best moments like winning the banana at cheer camp, winning UCA All-American, killing pep rally routines and competitions, those feelings are some of the memories I will carry for the rest of my life. I remember tryouts, and the nerves going in, and to remember smiling no matter what. I remember FNL's, with the stands full of people and working making the stunts were perfect (or atleast somewhat hit) before the games, and the anticipation of how the night was going to go. I remember competition season and the adrenaline rush when all the stunt groups hit their stunts, and running off the mat feeling accomplished and so proud of everything we have overcome, because some things that people don't realize about cheerleading is that we beat the odds and the stereotypes and we be the best we can absolutely be. Senior night will be the best night of your life, no questions asked.

The reason I tried out for cheerleading was because a friend wanted me to try out with her, and I thought, why not, not realizing what I was getting myself into. Next thing you know I up in the air and I didn't stop after that. Me personally, I had a really successful cheerleading career. 3x UCA All-American, Cheering in the London's New Years Day Parade, winning MVP, etc. Really the list could go on and on, but at the end of the day I can't give all the credit to myself. I wouldn't be anything I am today without the team that always had my back. We work together as a team to be successful, and you guys were the ones who helped me achieve those individual goals, which I will be forever thankful for. Remember there is no "I" in Team, and you guys were the people who loved me and accepted me unconditionally. It's thanks to you guys who helped me find my love and passion, and always helped me look forward to every practice. We got through every hard practice, injury, and tough time together, and we all rejoiced in our successes together. Remember to always look back on the people who supported you and "based" you (heh heh). We were the ones that the little girls think "wow, I want to be like her someday."

I feel guilty because I wished it away and didn't appreciate the moment I was in. I was so focused on the next game, the next competition, to more exciting things other then practice, or dragging myself through practice and conditioning. I didn't appreciate the small insignificant moment in the present. I would do anything for those small moments back and to be back on the track in a uniform, and to feel the rush of excitement. Enjoy high school, its literally some of the best years of your life. Love your coach, they want whats best for you, seriously they're awesome. I wouldn't be half the person I am without the love and support that my coach has given me, and they want you to succeed and do well, even when they make you run or do sit ups (trust me they will help you in the long run)

Cheerleading has taught me how to work with others, how to have self-confidence, and what having a passion truly is, and I would redo it all in an instant. It breaks my heart that my cheerleading career has come to an end, but it gives me hope to watch you guys grow in the sport that changed my life. Thank you so much to my high school team for giving me the best experience possible and I hope for future success in all that you guys do<3

With Joy and Cheers,

A proud CHS Varsity Cheerleader Alumni