The Picayune Memorial High School Varsity Cheerleaders recently returned from National Cheerleaders Association Cheerleading Camp held at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Over 300 cheerleaders representing schools from around the area attended the camp.

The squad represented Picayune by winning numerous awards, such as three Spirit Sticks, an All-Superior Blue Ribbon, the Motion Technique Award, Jump Technique Award for the first day evalutation, two All-Superior blue ribbons and the Team Award for the second day evaluation, nad the Overall Spirit Award. The squad also won a bid to NCA’s national competition in Dallas, Texas and an All-Superior Blue Ribbon for the final evaluation and competitions.

The PMHS varsity cheerleaders had 11 girls and two boys nominated for NCA All-American Cheerleader, the most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Lauren Smith, Chancy McLemore, and Megan Maximo were nominated for jumps. Jessica Smith and Whittney Taylor were nominated for motions. Neil Jarrett and Jordan Kiser were nominated for tumbling. Katie Spearman and Whitney Dodd were nominated for leadership. Allison Imhoff, Katie Spearman, and Vanessa McCrory were nominated for stunts. Kellye Bolar and Kayla Bounsd were nominated for dance. The following cheerleaders were selected as All-American Cheerleading Team Members: Kellye Bolar, Kayla Bounds, Allison Imhoff, Neil Jarrett, Chancy McLemore, Jessica Smith, and Lauren Smith. These seven cheerleaders have the opportunity to travel and perform in the Hula Bowl in Oahu, Hawaii or the Orange Bopwl in Miami, Florida

The PMHS Varsity Cheerleaders had two senior boys and two senior girls invited to be on the NCA staff in the summer of 2007. The individuals include Neil Jarrett, Jordan Kiser, Lauren Smith and Kellye Bolar.

While at camp, the cheerleaders learned several cheers, chants, dances, jumps, advanced stunts and pyramids and focused on crowd involvement.

All 21 members of the squad united through teamwork while at camp.

The varsity cheerleaders are excited about this upcoming season and look forward to promoting school spirit not only in the school, but in the community as well.

PMHS varsity cheerleading members for 2006 to 2007 include: seniors: Kellye Bolar, co-captain; Whitney Dodd, co-captain; Katie Spearman, co-captain, Allison Imhoff, Lauren Smith, Neil Jarrett, and Jordan Kiser; juniors: Casey Bochman, Kayla Bounds, Angel Cupstid, Taran Lunsford, Chloe Palma, Vanessa McCrory, Chancy McLemore, Jessica Smith, and Whittney Taylor; sophomores: Brooke Fowler, Megan Maximo, Jessica Sentilles, Lindsey Walker, and Janaea Wills.

The squad is under the leadership and direction of coaches Kaye Smith and Connie Windham.

The cheerleaders would like to remind the community that the annual “Little Tide Cheerleading Camp: will be held July 18 and 19 at the PHS Gym from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. They encourage all little girls three years old through eigth grade to register. The Little Tide Cheerleaders will be performing at a pre-game show at the first home football game.

On Friday, August 18, they will also be sponsoring the second annual “Meet the Tide— A Community Wide Pep Rally.” Come out and support the Picayune Maroon Tide. Roll Tide Roll!