Students interested in trying out for next year’s cheer team will need to fill out a student and parent information form and an interest form before attending a mandatory meeting on Feb. 23 at 5:00 p.m. in the main campus cafeteria. Tryouts will be held March 10 in the Auxiliary Gym. More details can be found on the cheer team’s website.

Throughout February, the team will provide tryout clinics for future cheerleaders that assist them in jumping, tumbling and stunting. The clinics offer a boost to new members’ cheer skills in preparation for tryouts.

“You don’t have to be a super good cheerleader,” senior cheerleader Andie Hayduk said. “Being on a team, working together and getting to be the spirit leaders of the school is a really fun thing to be a part of. If your heart’s in it, you don’t need skills, just work hard.”

Senior co-captain Grace Drummond said until last season, cheer was known to place rather low in competitions. Having previously scored places such as eighteenth and tenth in UIL state in the past, the team made “a big jump” to fourth place this year, said Drummond. She believes the team’s newfound friendship and trust in each other was their key to success.

“People will be [more] persuaded to go into cheer just because we’ve set such a high standard now,” Drummond said. “I’ve heard more people [talk about] wanting to [join the team].”

Drummond has been a part of the cheer team since her freshman year, landing a captain position every year except her junior year. As a notable member of the team, Drummond said she is sad to leave, but has high expectations for underclassmen members.

“[Cheer] has created such a family bond,” Drummond said. “There are [JV] members that are ready to step up and be good leaders to help others [who join].”

Sophomore JV cheerleader Addison Carter has been a part of the cheer team since freshman year. Her goal for next season is to land a spot on the varsity squad. Carter, as well as the rest of the team, is excited for new members.

“We love when new people try out,” Carter said. “We’re always wanting new people. Don’t be nervous to try out; everyone helps and they are so accepting.”