From back to front, Angie Wilkison, NCA Staff Julia, Amanda Smith, Rebecca Swaney, Miranda Hickey, Kayhli Baumgartner, Kayla Boyle and Shaina Folger. Courtesy photo.

UPPER LAKE – The Upper Lake High School Cheerleaders, accompanied by Coach Shalean Smith, recently returned from a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) camp. The camp was held at the University of California Davis and attracted approximately 200 cheerleaders from around the state.

Founded in 1948 by L.R. Herkimer, NCA/NDA hosts camps, championships and events for 150,000 cheerleaders and dancers each year.

As part of a four-day camp curriculum, the National Cheerleaders Association selects award winners at each of the over 1,000 camps it administers around the world each summer. Awards are given for individual and team accomplishments.

Amanda Smith, Kayhli Baumgartner, Kayla Boyle and Shaina Folger were awarded with All American nominations. All Americans are outstanding individuals who display strength in one of the following categories: motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance or leadership.

The ULHS Cheer team was honored with the S.P.O.T Award for excellence in use of safety while stunting, spotting and proper stunt technique. The Cheer Team also competed in and won the “Game Day Top Team Award” and took home the “Spirit Stick Award.”

Coach Smith was pleased with her team’s performance. “We do have a small team but what they lack in size they make up for in spirit and dedication,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to a great year. They’re a pleasure to work with.”

Smith received coaches credentialing for successfully completing the NCA Coaches Credentialing Program. NCA recognized her for her technical knowledge and hands-on training in cheerleading. Smith coached the ULHS football and basketball cheerleaders from 1992 to 1998 and returned this year to coach the football cheer team.

The ULHS Cheer Team will be choosing a community service project for the season as well as volunteering at local nursing homes and senior centers. Smith is challenging her team to achieve high academics as wells as making a commitment to their community.

Next summer the team will host a youth cheer camp in early July. Donations are being requested to assist the girls in deferring the rising cost of uniforms and camp.

Contributions can be made directly to ULHS Cheer. For questions or more information on supporting the ULHS Cheer Team contact Shalean Smith at 972-7197.

Left to right, Miranda Hickey, Kayhli Baumgartner, Amanda Smith, Kayla Boyle, Angie Wilkison, Shaina Folger and Rebecca Swaney. Courtesy photo.

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