This year Sacred Hearts Academy has its own cheerleading squad. In the past, the Academy sent cheerleaders to root for the Damien and St. Louis sports teams. However, Damien Memorial School became co-ed this year and as a result, will have its own squads.
St. Louis cheerleaders now cheer for both St. Louis and Sacred Hearts Academy. The Academy team of Damien cheerleaders has disappeared, leaving the task to the St. Louis cheerleaders for the new Academy squad. While the cheerleaders won’t be cheering for Sacred Hearts at school events, they will represent the Academy at competitions.
“Competition cheerleaders will be made up of a select group of junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders,” said senior Baylie Caires.
New gold and white uniforms will be worn to represent Lancer pride. Cheerleaders will have several opportunities to compete in state and national cheerleading competitions. In previous years, Academy cheerleaders were limited when it came to competition once the spirit season ended. As St. Louis cheerleaders, the squad needed to meet a co-ed requirement and keep a certain number of male members on the squad to compete.
“We’re opening doors for future squads, setting an example for the squads to follow,” said senior Lauren Wedemeyer.
The reaction of the students to the new squad has been favorable. Those who have shown an interest in the new squad have agreed that an independent team will make it even more possible for students to excel in their sport. As the Academy’s first independent cheerleading squad, the school will be represented with a renewed sense of pride.
During the seasons, Academy cheerleaders will cheer at St. Louis football and basketball games. When the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) season begins, the cheerleaders will cheer under the banner of Sacred Hearts Academy.
Over the years, cheerleading has become more competitive and intricate. “It has become a sport in its own right,” said adviser Toni Normand. “These cheerleaders train for months on end, displaying great feats of physical strength and gymnastic skill.”
