LEXINGTON — The Martin County High School Varsity Cheerleaders had a memorable experience attending their first Universal Cheerleaders Association camp in several years. The cheerleaders participated in the camp July 27-29 at the University of Kentucky, joining 25 other teams from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana.
For the 25 cheerleaders on the squad, this camp proved to be an unforgettable experience. Under the guidance of Coach Nikki Moore, the girls worked each day on stunts, learned new sidelines, game day cheers and a camp dance.
Excitement filled the air on the last day of camp when the cheerleaders showcased their talent to parents and spectators. The hard work paid off as the team received a fifth-place trophy for their camp routine performance.
In addition to the team’s success, three talented cheerleaders earned individual awards. Senior Kennadi Mollett and juniors Reese Blankenship and Alyssa Jewell were named All-American Cheerleaders for their outstanding performances. As a reward for their achievements, they now have the opportunity to perform at either the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii or London’s New Year’s Day Parade in the U.K.
The cheerleaders also received special recognition for their spirit and leadership during the camp. Kaylee Endicott was honored as a “Pin It Forward” recipient by a UCA staff member, while Kennadi Mollett received the “Pin It Forward” award from a fellow Marshall County Cheerleader.
Reflecting on the camp experience, Coach Moore said it was great seeing her team make friends with other teams from Kentucky.
“It is always good to see what other teams are doing,” Moore said. “And it gives the girls ideas of things they can bring back home to work on.”
Mollett expressed her delight in making new friends with teams from other schools.
“The UCA camp was a great experience for my teammates and me,” Mollett said. “We learned new skills, worked on our techniques, and it was a fantastic way for us to bond as a team.”
As the MCHS Cheerleaders get ready for the upcoming football season, they are anxious to put to use what they learned at camp. You can find them on the sidelines cheering passionately for the Cardinals.