The brand new Viking cheer team survived three days of heat and hard work to come away with awards and new skills.  We had the opportunity to work with three great NCA Instructors as well as three local Vermont teams at Vergennes Union High School.  The girls worked very hard in cheer and dance classes, jump classes and stunt classes, all the while keeping their spirit, sportsmanship and enthusiasm up to earn a spirit stick on the second night--and another to keep on the final day! 

     Our buddy instructor, Callie, was awesome!!  (you wish she was your buddy, but she's not--Boo Hoo!)  Callie also cheered with our own Jessica Simpson at Elmira!  She really helped us clean up our cheer and chant, earning us two blue superior ribbons at final evaluations!  The girls rocked the house for top team in the game day cheer, and won the top team for their chant--everyone really stepped up and got the gym rockin'! 

     Drew, Callie and Ally helped us pick up some new stunting skills, and we were able to hit some difficult stunts (libs are cake to Marissa and Katie!) and learned some new techniques we can perfect and make our own for the season.  The girls were also chosen by the staff to receive the Herkie TEAM award for their spirit, hard work and teamwork throughout camp.

     We were all very proud of our All-American nominees, chosen by the staff for outstanding skills in leadership, motions, jumps, dance or stunting.  Torri, Jenna, Shelby, Hannah, Katie and Ariel were nominated, and all but Hannah tried out to be chosen in front of the entire camp.  We were all so proud of Shelby, as she was one of four girls in the camp to be chosen for the NCA All-American team. 

     What an awesome job everyone did--season will be so much fun--keep up the stretching and working out ladies!!

     It's been quite a long time since Sapphire and Shannon weren't on a roster, but at least we had their help for a successful tryout.  Everyone worked hard this week and it showed through your scores...especially for those of you who also work hard on your grades!  The varsity team for 2009-2010 will be:

Torri F.
Kasie M.
Cori W.
Nicole F.
Jenna B.
Shelby J.
Marissa S.
Kayla S.
Katie G.
Jarika F.
Cassie L.
Alexa C.
Hannah S.
Alternate-Amanda I.
Alternate-Ariel W.
Alternate-Franny B.

     Congratulations ladies!  We have a lot of work to do--but we'll have fun getting there! 

     Don't forget the kick-off party/meeting for the new team and new cheer moms/dads at Mrs. Nephew's house on Monday, June 15th, at 4:30 PM.  Please bring something to share and ideas for fundraisers.  Remember, alternates are part of the team and should also be attending!!

     The 2009 Athletic Awards Banquet was held on June 11, 2009.  Once again, it was a long night, but one filled with plenty of positive recognition for all of Moriah's athletes and coaches. 

     Our Most Improved award went to Cori White, a well-deserved honor for all of her hard work!  She has truly come a long way.

     The MVP was Lauren Boyle in recognition of her talent and dedication this season.  She took advantage of every opportunity and participated in every team event, all the while challenging herself to use her potential.  We were able to compete on a different level with her talents on the floor.  Best wishes in the future, don't forget what great things come when you follow through!

     Mrs. Nephew also recognized three individuals who have meant a great deal to our program over the last six years.  Without them, our program would likely have been in ruin.  Their tireless support and dedication has meant a lot.  Without question they have supported the girls of our program, whether veterans or rookies.  Too often these girls had to start over, teaching new girls, but never questioning and always knowing what needed to be done to keep our team on top.  Hours of rolling hair, often on girls who weren't her own, driving, playing our music, sleepovers...she has always gone above and beyond the role of a cheer mom.  They have been there through it all, good and bad, and we will miss them all so much next year.  We cannot thank you enough--Sapphire Wintle, Shannon Hanson and Wendy Wintle.

     Last, but not least, was the Moriah Cheer Scholarship.  Supported through donations from our alumni, we were able to award a $500.00 scholarship this year.  Chosen by her teammates for all of her time and dedication, the scholarship was deservedly given to Shannon Hanson.

      Congrats to all, and thanks to Sapphire, Shannon, Jenna and Cori for attending and representing our team!