PORT ANGELES — In cheerleading, when the term “All-American,” is used, it refers to an individual award or title recognizing a cheerleader’s exceptional skills, leadership and positive qualities. It signifies a high level of achievement and is often associated with performances at cheer camps and special events.
The Port Angeles High School Roughriders cheer program was honored recently as senior cheerleaders Madison Bishop, Addisen McNeece, Melia Webber and Jack Root were offered an opportunity to represent Varsity Spirit as All-America cheerleaders in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, from Dec. 3-8.
Cheerleaders who are invited to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade are part of a select group of AIl-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country.
All-America nominees are judged on superior cheerleading skills as well as leadership skills at camps operated by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA). The Port Angeles Roughrider cheerleaders attended the UCA summer camp at the University of Puget Sound from June 24-27 and only the top 12 percent of all cheerleaders from Varsity Spirit camps earn the chance to participate in a performance of this caliber.
During tryouts, each athlete showed off their best individual jump, and in groups of four, they performed the camp cheer and sideline dance.
These cheerleaders will perform as Varsity Spirit All-Americans in the parade before thousands of fans lining the streets of Waikiki Beach. This trip marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Besides being able to perform for national heroes, athletes will have the opportunity to meet cheerleaders from across the nation and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau and a memorable trip to the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the USS Missouri battleship.
Perseverance
Captain Madison Bishop is recovering from a knee injury that required surgery.
“After knee surgery last year, I wasn’t sure I’d get a chance to go full out and participate at cheer camp at all with my team,” Bishop said. “However, after months of physical therapy, I was cleared to ease back into full cheer and stunting about a month before we left for camp. We all worked hard and placed second in both categories, bringing home two trophies and a spirit stick. Plus, I made All-American. This has made the start of my senior year one I’ll never forget. I’m so thankful for this opportunity.”
For McNeece, cheer has helped her grow and feel comfortable in high school.
“When I first joined the cheer squad at PAHS, I felt like just another face in the crowd. But now, heading into my senior year as cheer captain, and achieving All-American, I have an incredible opportunity to travel to Hawaii with my friends and family,” McNeece said. “Cheer has given me a place where I can be myself. It’s like I’ve finally found my voice and my place. And it has given me a space where I am surrounded by friends who lift me up. It’s a powerful reminder of how cheer can profoundly impact individuals and inspire those around us. That’s why I keep cheering.”
These students have worked hard to earn their spots onto the All-America team, but every student must raise the funds needed to attend the event.
The group plans to host several fundraisers around town, offering ways to sponsor these athletes to help raise the funds needed to send them to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Those who would like to support any or all of these athletes, can call or text Melinda Bishop at 360-461-0812.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at sports@ peninsuladailynews.com.
