The cheer team here at Eisenhower High School is all about boosting school morale and supporting the other teams. More importantly, being an overall positive force on others and for the campus is something that cheerleaders do best.
The coaches Ms. Felkins and her daughter Kirra Felkins coach the cheerleaders. In an interview I held with them, they were asked why they coach the team. They said, “It’s always been a part of our lives” and they want to share their love for it with others. Over the years, Ms. Felkin’s coaching style has changed from being hyper-focused on presentation during games to emphasizing working hard and being a good example for other students at Eisenhower High School.
Why Should a Student Join the Team?
“It’s fun and helps with spirit, it’s also a good team scenario.” – Ms. Felkins.
Tryouts for cheer are in April usually on Thursdays, if not, Fridays. Practice locations are in the dance room (L-4) and practices happen after school Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Cheerleaders are meant to go tutoring one day out of the week. The season is all year round and consists of summer practice, football games, basketball games, and competition season. Jun, Apr, and May they get off.
I had the pleasure of interviewing not only the coaches but three of the cheerleading captains Ron’Nya Rudd, Terrena Harris, and Richmarany Pena who were very enjoyable to speak to. They said that they were able to balance their academics with cheer by keeping up with classes, more importantly “Asking for help when needed” – Richmarany. Also mandatory grade checks remind them not to fall behind with school work. If they were to start struggling with academics and cheerleading they’d be required to attend extra tutoring. Something they want other students at Eisenhower to know about is “Cheer is not the stereotypical cheer you’re thinking of, we’re a support team, strong leaders on campus, we carry ourselves like young responsible ladies.” -Ron’Nya. Terrena adds, “We’re all family and bond like sisters, you make your closest friends here.” Ron’Nya follows up with, “Being in cheer helps confidence, your time management, social skills, and memory. It allows you to take constructive criticism.”
The cheer team is full of bright students who work hard towards their goals and are overall exemplary in their performance academically and school-spirit wise. My own mood was boosted just upon speaking with them as well as the coaches. The team’s efforts seem to go unnoticed compared to their sports counterparts so with this article I hope to emphasize their efforts. The team was very welcoming and friendly. I suggest anyone considering joining the cheer team to go for it as I think the overall environment was a good way to expand the many skills the captains listed.
