The Ridgefield
High School varsity and junior varsity cheer squads are heading to
a National Cheer Association event in Florida.
The Spudders,
coached by Deanna Green for the past seven years, will head to the
national event in Lake Buena Vista, FL, where they will participate
in a Christmas Parade on Dec. 4. The Ridgefield squad will combine
with the cheer teams from around the country in the performance,
which will be televised on ABC on Christmas morning.
On July 26, both
the varsity and junior varsity squads attended the NCA cheer camp
at Oregon State University. The camp hosted about 350 cheerleaders
from Washington, Oregon and California high schools.
During the
training-packed week, the Spudders’ cheer squads demonstrated
leadership, dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship at the level
that they were recognized by the NCA coaches with several
awards.
The Ridgefield
varsity won the Game Time Award, which is the top team trophy in
the varsity division. The Spudders also won the Herkie Award Plaque
from the NCA staff for showing the most true team spirit, unity and
leadership throughout the week.
The varsity squad
also received the Spirit Megaphone, voted the Most Spirited by all
the other teams at the camp. Seven varsity girls were nominated as
All American and Corrine Jhaveri was selected for the All American
Team, which qualifies her for a trip to London. Miryssa Casas was
one of only three in the entire camp that earned a Citizenship
Pin.
The junior varsity squad also won the Game Time
Award, the top team trophy in its division. Two members of the
junior varsity squad were nominated as All-American and the squad
also received the Spirit Stick.
The cheerleaders are actively raising funds for
the trip to Florida and have scheduled several fundraising
activities. For more information about how to help in the
cheerleaders’ fundraising efforts, email Deanna Green at
deanna.green@vansd.org. Here’s a look at some of the fundraising
events planned:
• 3-Day Mini-Cheer
Camp, Oct. 11-13, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Ridgefield High School
gymnasium – Open to elementary age children wanting to learn cheers
and dance routines. Each participant receives a Spudder Cheer
T-Shirt with hair ribbon and get to perform with the varsity
cheerleaders at a halftime of the home football game Fri., Oct. 14.
Contact Ridgefield Community Education (360) 619-1303 for
registration. Cost of camp is $38.
• Bunko/Auction
event, Sat., Oct. 15, 7-10 p.m. at the Ridgefield Community Center
– Cost is $15, tickets being sold by cheer parents.
• Big Al’s Bowling
Dinner/Auction, Thurs., Oct. 27, 6-9 p.m. – Tickets range from
$10-25 for admission. Cheerleaders are actively selling tickets
now.
• A four week sale
of freshly-harvested Honey Crisp apples delivered direct from a
Yakima grower. A 5-pound bag is $10. Cheer parents are selling them
at the Ridgefield Farmers market on Saturdays or daily through RHS
Cheerleaders.
• Christmas wreath
sales – Receiving orders in November.