PCA Cheerleaders Take On FCA Cheer Camp
Front Row (l to r): Hadden Waters, Hagen White, Amelia McLeod, Adelyn Ammermon, Hallie Watkins; Back Row (l to r): Mrs. April Barr, Carrington Dutton, Abigail Long, Kennedy Elrod, Olivia Mathis, Charlie Rose Sikes, and Connor Davis.
By: Elizabeth O’Brien, PCA Junior
Pinewood’s varsity and junior varsity (JV) cheerleaders traveled to Georgia Southern University to participate in FCA Cheer Camp. The girls had the opportunity to stay in one of GSU’s college dorms and enjoy delicious meals three times a day in the cafeteria. Monday through Wednesday the girls learned a short routine to perform at the Thursday showcase. They also learned a band dance and a few new cheers they will use for games this year.
Each evening, everyone attended a Bible study and team huddle with their head FCA leader. The theme of camp this year was, “Pursue righteousness and a Godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” The girls discussed what it means to live a Godly life and ways they could be better stewards for Christ. It was a time of deep conversation about life and its struggles while allowing them to reflect on the One who came as their Savior.
During the week, six girls from the PCA cheer squad tried out for a spot on the All-American cheer team. Elizabeth Fawcett, Cassidi Lynn, Becky Edwards, Genevieve Bradley, Polly Claxton, and Ava Woolard were selected to cheer at the 2021 Chic-Fil-A Peach Bowl to be held at the Mercedes Benz Stadium on December 30th in Atlanta.
l to r: Ava Woolard, Becky Edwards, Elizabeth Fawcett, Polly Claxton, Cassidi Lynn, and Genevieve Bradley.
On the last day, all of the cheerleaders from every school performed their new cheer routine for the parents at the showcase. At the closing ceremony, two of our varsity cheerleaders were selected for the big awards at the end of camp. Allie Shae and Hadden Waters were named “Heart of the Huddle” for the varsity team and JV squad. Polly Claxton, was chosen for the overall FCA Camp Spirit Award. Also, the PCA JV squad earned the “Most Improved” award. Head Coach Jerri O’Brien was proud of both cheer teams. Assistant Coach Peighton Brown stated, “Pinewood Cheerleading has a long-standing reputation of not only excellence on the mat, but excellence in their walk with Christ. FCA Cheerleading camp was a blessing to these girls in more ways than one. Not only did they gain cheerleading skills that will aid them on the sideline and in competitions this year, but more importantly, they left camp strengthened as a team and strengthened in their walk with Christ.” The cheerleaders had an amazing opportunity to learn new skills while growing closer together as a team and in their faith.
Polly Claxton was the FCA Cheer Camp Spirit Award winner.
Hadden Waters was named the junior varsity “Heart of the Huddle.”
Allie Shae was named the varsity “Heart of the Huddle.”
