Parkway High School Cheerleaders Rake in the Top Awards at National Cheerleaders
Association (NCA) Camp
by Leigha Wieman
Parkway High School Cheer Coach
The Parkway High School Cheerleaders recently returned from a National
Cheerleaders Association (NCA) summer camp. The camp was held at Wright State
University in Dayton and attracted over 100 cheerleaders from surrounding
states.
The National Cheer Association selects award winners at each of the over 1,100
camps it administers around the world each summer. Founded in 1948 by L.R.
Herkimer, NCA has been conducting camps for 58 years and holds events annually
for over 150,000 cheerleaders and dancers around the world.
The Parkway Cheerleaders received the following awards at the NCA summer camp
they attended.
National Championship Bid Winner - This tremendous accomplishment is awarded to
the team Bid Winner 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 or the NCA All-Star National Championship,
both held in Dallas, Texas. The NCA Championships are the world's largest
cheerleading events, bringing over 20,000 of the nation's cheerleaders for the
nation's most exciting cheerleading competition.
Game Day Top Team Winner - On the last day of camp, teams compete with a cheer
that they have learned during the week. Game Day skills, as well as the ability
to lead the crowd are judged to select the winner.
Most Improved Award - Awarded to the team that has consistently improved
throughout the entire week.
Spirit Stick Winner - Presented to the squad showing the most sincere spirit and
enthusiasm throughout the entire week at camp. This award is voted on by all
teams. The Parkway Cheerleaders received a spirit stick each night of camp and
received one on the last day to take home.
Excellence in Leadership Award - Awarded to Megan Zizelman. This award is given
to the captain that displays the strongest leadership during "Captain's Class"
and camp.
All-American Nominees and All-American Team - The most prestigious award in
cheerleading today. Participants vying for the All-American status are judged on
motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit and enthusiasm, voice projection, and
overall crowd appeal. These individuals are eligible to perform at various NCA
special events. Cheerleaders nominated were Kaila Lautzenheiser, Bria Rammel,
Devon Stansbury, Megan Zizelman, Amanda Shindeldecker, and Brittany Hesse. Megan
Zizelman made the All-American Team and will be traveling to Hawaii to perform
at the Hula Bowl.
As the coach, I am very proud of the squad's accomplishment's at camp. We really
grew and bonded as a team and I look forward to the coming season, cheering our
Panthers onto a VICTORY!! Way to go girls!
Last updated: 09/16/2006 08:45 AM