The FHS Varsity and JV cheerleaders recently returned from a NCA summer cheer camp. The camp was held at Trinity Valley Community College and attracted over 200 cheerleaders from the surrounding areas. Cheer sponsor Joneita Kelly and co-sponsor JJ McCasland accompanied the squad to the camp in which the team brought home the top bragging rights and awards!

The NCA selects award winners at each of the 1,000 camps it administers around the world each summer. The Varsity Cheerleaders received the following awards at their camp:

NCA Spirit Award - this award is selected by the camp members as the team who exemplifies true team spirit.

Performance Top Team Winner - on the last day of camp teams compete with a cheer that they have learned during the week. Overall technical skills, as well as the ability to lead the crowd are judged to select the winner.

National Championship Bid Winner - This is awarded to the team exemplifying the best technical skill and cheerleading technique. This bid is extended to teams to compete at the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship held in Dallas, Texas.

S. P. O. T. - This award is given to teams that show advanced skills in safety

Herkie Award - This award is named after the NCA founder, and is awarded to the squads who exemplify the qualities upon which NCA was founded. These qualities are leadership, values, and teamwork.

Outstanding Tumbling award - This award is given to the team which demonstrates advanced tumbling skills.

Spirit Stick - Teams have the chance to be awarded a spirit stick every night of camp. Only those teams that show team spirit are awarded a spirit stick. The Varsity team was awarded a spirit stick all three nights of camp.

Blue Ribbons - All teams go through three different evaluations during the week. At each evaluation, teams can receive white, red, or blue ribbons for their performance. The Varsity team was awarded the highest possible, blue ribbons for all three of their evaluations.

The JV Cheerleaders received the following awards at their camp:

S. P. O. T. - This award is given to teams that show advanced skills in safety

Spirit Stick - Teams have the chance to be awarded a spirit stick every night of camp. Only those teams that show team spirit are awarded a spirit stick. The JV team was awarded a spirit stick for two nights of camp.

Red and Blue Ribbons - All teams go through three different evaluations during the week. At each evaluation, teams can receive white, red, or blue ribbons for their performance. The JV team was awarded a red ribbon for their first evaluation, and blue ribbons for their last two evaluations.

The Cheerleaders were also given the chance to earn individual awards while at camp, the Varsity and JV teams were awarded the following individual awards:

All - American Team Members - The most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Participants vying for All-American status are judged on motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit and enthusiasm, voice projection and overall crowd appeal. Our All-American team members include: Sierra Thetford, Kayla Sims, Kelsey Hobden, Carol Thumann, Courtney Whitley, Halee Fitzgerald, Monica Aaron, Janee Andrews, Katie Judd, Amy Landess, Valentino Naverez, Melanie Goodgion, and Caitlin Schwing.

All - American Nominees - Outstanding individuals who display strength in one of the following categories: motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance or leadership. You must be nominated for All-American in order to try out for the All-American Team. Our All-American Nominees are: Amanda Parks, Sierra Thetford, Kayla Sims, Kelsey Hobden, Carol Thumann, Courtney Whitley, Halee Fitzgerald, Monica Aaron, Janee Andrews, Katie Judd, Jasmen Gearner, Amy Landess, Valentino Narvarez, Melanie Goodgion, Maranda Miller, Mackanzie Phillips, Alex Blankenship, and Caitlin Schwing.

NCA Top All - American - This is awarded to the high-test scoring All-American Team Member at Camp. Varsity Freshman Halee Fitzgerald earned this award.

NCA Staff Application - Varsity Senior Monica Aaron was given a staff application on the last day of camp and asked to apply to be on next years NCA Summer Camp Staff.