A young girl gets a different view of the world at a recent clinic put on by CHS cheerleaders. (Photos courtesy BreAnna Boon)
The power of cheer compelled them to show up on a Sunday.
Coupeville High School cheerleaders and coaches welcomed 35 kids in grades K-8 to a cheer camp designed to prepare next generation stars to perform at this year’s Homecoming game.
The four-hour event was open to students from all across Whidbey Island.
“Before our clinic, we had done some promoting at the elementary school, as well as the Oak Harbor Youth Cheer practices,” said CHS coach BreAnna Boon.
“We are such a small island, I didn’t want anyone to feel that they were segregated or not allowed to come just because it was a “Coupeville cheer clinic,” she added.
“Sports are supposed to bring people together, and especially as cheerleaders, we want to show the whole Island that CHS cheerleaders are leaders in and out of uniform, and in and out of just our small little town.”
It might have been a Sunday, but the gym was hoppin’.
The young cheerleaders learned a dance, cheer, and stunts, which will be on display at halftime Oct. 18, when Coupeville hosts South Whidbey.
They also enjoyed pizza, which was delivered by the school’s mascot, Wilfred the Wolf, and received little megaphones.
Each young cheerleader walks away with a megaphone, t-shirt, and bow, while also getting to perform at Coupeville’s Homecoming game.
The clinic was a huge success for Boon and her cheerleaders, who are counting down the days until their work can be viewed by the public.
“I can’t wait to have everyone watch their performance Homecoming night!,” Boon said.
The satisfaction in the clinic was a sentiment shared by others, as well.
“My daughter Harper enjoyed it a lot!,” CHS cheer mom Roxanne Moon said. “As a parent I was very pleased with the cheer coach and cheerleaders keeping the youth girls productive and on task.
“They were very nice and professional!”
The present and future of cheerleading.
Willy Shaw-Parker, a coach with Rise Cheerleading, agreed.
“You could not only feel but hear and see the joy on every face as the Coupeville Wolves led our youth in dance and cheer!
“The high level of professionalism, patience and energy had my two daughters and niece engaged and excited every minute of the clinic. We look forward to the performance!”
While the day was for the younger generation, there was also a great benefit to the current Wolf cheerleaders, who had a chance to pass on their love of the sport.
“To see all the children light up when we taught them cheer, dances, and stunts was the absolute best part,” said CHS captain Ja’Tarya Hoskins.
“I am the champion … of the world!”
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