(Maxx Photos) Participants in the Kindergarten division at the 17th annual LHHS Cheer Camp included (front row, l-r) Baylor Amthor, Ashlin Bishop, Kealy Dimer, Hannah Karr and Allison Keene; (middle row) Kaitlyn Kirschner, Merrill Madison, Madison Pompa, Lindsey Stefan and Emory Marks; (back row) Baylee Bishop, Cassidy Larkin, Shelby Hart, Emma Pennington, Paige Carlisle and Juliette Fierro.
by Chuck Licata
The Liberty Hill High School tradition continues – and continues to grow.
Quick – name one of the longest-running LHHS camps.
The guess here is you’ll say football, softball, volleyball or basketball. Not bad guesses – but the answer we’re looking for is the 17th Annual LHHS Cheer Camp, held last week (June 18-20) at the school gym.
DeeDee Kristian, an assistant principal at Liberty Hill High school, headed up the camp for her fourth time.
(Maxx Photos) Participants in the Pre-Kindergarten division at the 17th annual LHHS Cheer Camp included (front row, l-r) Maelynn Baccus, Nataleigh Blay, Bayleigh Dalland, Chloe Ellis and Bethany Fry; (middle row) Amelia Robinson, Ellie Hert, Brennan Huddleston, Reagan Huddleston, Presli Jensen, Paige Kuhlmann and Brianna Spencer; (back row) Samantha Reid, Kenna Wright and Hannah Wallace.
“The goal of the camp is to build the Liberty Hill program,” stated Kristan about the camp that serves campers in grades Pre-K to sixth. “We hope the campers eventually become cheerleaders in the Liberty Hill (ISD).
“We’ll teach the campers two differenct dances and three different cheers. We try to diversify so we cover a variety of (topics) yet we make sure our camp cheerleaders (coaches) give attention to each and every camper. We want that (one-on-one) attention and teaching; we feel it’s important to each camper.”
Kristan and her camp cheerleaders also stress the importance of safety.
“It’s required we teach safety during the camp,” Kristan stated. “Sure our campers will learn about cheers, dance, chants and yells but we stress the safety side of everything to do with cheerleading.”
Kristan emphasized her thanks to the Liberty Hill community in its recent fund-raising efforts. That includes last week’s camp as well as the Pancake Supper hosted by Liberty Hill VFW Post 8200 last Tuesday (June 19). The VFW donated portions of the Pancake Supper to the cheerleaders; the event drew 220 people, according to Merle Rouillard.
“We can’t thank the community enough for the support,” Kristan directed. “Between the parents who bring their kids to the camp and the Pancake Supper, we have a lot of wonderful support.
“The money generated goes right back into the program. It helps send our cheerleaders to the UCA Camp, which is a requirement. (The money) also helps (fund) materials such as banners, paint, paper and other items we create for use at school.”
Back to the LHHS Cheer Camp: Kristan emphasized the Homecoming Game appearance for the campers.
“During the third quarter of this year’s Homecoming (football) Game, our cheerleaders and campers will meet on the track (around the football field) and then do a cheer.
“The campers need to be sure to wear their camp T-Shirts to the Homecoming Game; that will be their ‘free ticket’ into the game. I know the kids enjoy it each year and it’s a fun time for myself and our cheerleaders.”
(Maxx Photos) Participants in the First Grade division at the 17th annual LHHS Cheer Camp included (front row, l-r) Cecilia Gonzales, Heather Hanes, Ainsley Kelley and Paige Ketchem; (middle row) Ashton Williams, Sarah McLeod, Elizabeth Petru, Emma Petru, Stella Robinson and Malory Tate; (back row) Katelyn Stone, Carly Satterwhite, Bree Watson, Katie Horstmann and Sarah Perkins.
(Maxx Photos) Participants in the Second Grade division at the 17th annual LHHS Cheer Camp included (front row, l-r) Jessica Calhoun, Elle Corbett, Zoe Duncan, Madison Hogan and Montgomery Madison; (middle row) Brylee Mathis, Mia Montes, Caitlin Neely, Emma Neely and Tori Perkins; (back row) Autumn Mc Cuistan, Lauren Ponish, Camila Montelongo, Bradlee Watson, Emily Duncan and Kasey Wolff.
(Maxx Photos) Participants in the Third & Fourth Grade divisions at the 17th annual LHHS Cheer Camp included (front row, l-r) Kylah Bannon, Makenna Culp, Kloe Foster, Audrey Wiley, Amber Williams and Emily Wright; (back row) Samantha Corbett, Ali Child, Caroline Blasing, Baylie Brewster, Paige Edwards, Camryn Child, Paige Harrison, Kennedi Hogan and Makenzie Moreno.
