On the 24th and 25th of Jan., Ripon High’s cheer competition team participated in the JAMS School National Cheer Competition.These girls traveled to Las Vegas, NV, to compete against opposing schools and show who has the best spirit. All of the girls worked hard and they put all of their effort into this competition. 

For freshman Madilyn Neese, this competition gave her an opportunity to prove she is where she belongs. Neese has been on the varsity cheer squad since the beginning of the season and in this competition she was able to show valuable skills that a varsity player needs to have: positivity and determination. Neese was able to pick up her teammates after an unexpected tumble in their first performance and spread positivity and encouragement. 

Neese states, “The highlight of the trip was doing much better on the second day. The first day we stumbled a little bit but the second day we were able to pull it together and we performed very well.” 

These girls are a talented group and although they did not succeed in obtaining first place, they proved they can work back from a mistake and make the adjustments. 

All in all, the Lady Indians placed second at the National level and this is a great success. And while these girls are talented there is always something to improve on. 

Neese states,”Something our team could definitely improve on is not letting it show when a mistake is made mid performance.” 

These girls practice multiple days a week, sometimes twice in a day. It is only a matter of time before they place first at their next competition. 

Throughout their competition, the girls worked hard and put all their effort into their performances. This shows how these girls can work through a challenge while still enjoying themselves and having fun. While their season is almost to an end, they have proven themselves countless times and surely they will again.