The Charger Online School Newspaper

Keeping the Spirit Alive, One Cheer at a Time

Article By: Randall Sauceman and Anthony Johnson

Photos By: Tatum McAmis, LifeTouch, Liz Carlson

Videos By: Randall Sauceman, Anthony Johnson, Korbin Shriner

Edited By: Kaleo Toscandulanto

Published By: Harrison Ayers

Cheerleading is one of the most school-spirited sports offered at Chuckey-Doak High School. It is more than just waving pom-poms and shouting from the sidelines- it’s about dedication, teamwork, and school pride. They bring all the energy and excitement to crowds at football games, basketball games, and pep rallies. They help create an environment that motivates players and unites the student body under one voice of spirit. 

The team consists of Seniors: Rylie Lamb, Samantha Fletcher, Jordyn Price, and Shianne Painter. Juniors: Xayda Vereecke, Kolby Shannon, Kenslee Miller, Michelle Brooks, Elizabeth Shelton, Mandy Cooper, Reagan Brown. Sophomores: Paysli Patrick, Hayden Kenney, Emily Swecker, Gracyn Uhls, Jocelyn Waycaster, and Jackie Tinkham. Freshman: Tatum McAmis, Skyli Randall, Lilly Scott, Bailynn Price, Bailey Croy,

Practices are far from easy. Cheerleaders spend hours perfecting their stunts, jumps, and routines to make sure every performance looks effortless. Strength, balance, and timing are key, and every team member must rely on one another for safety and success. Behind every big cheer is a lot of hard work, sore muscles, and determination. 

In the summer, the team participated in the UCA camp. During this, they spent three whole days learning new stunts, cheers, and dances from trained instructional staff. Throughout this time, cheerleaders are expected to maintain high energy and spirit during the 12-hour day. Within the three days of training, the cheerleaders participate in two mock competitions called Evaluations. The team won gold both times, which is the highest possible ribbon. On day three, six girls tried out to be All-American Cheerleaders. Shianne Painter, Rylie Lamb, Jordyn Price, Michelle Brooks, and Reagan Brown took home their medals. The CDHS Cheer team performed what they learned on the final day, competing with other cheerleading teams from all around Tennessee. They competed in both the Game Day division and the dance competition, taking home a total of two trophies and three ribbons from the UCA camp. 

Cheerleaders also represent their school off the sidelines. They often volunteer at community events, help younger cheer teams, and participate in fundraisers. They demonstrate what it means to be proud of one’s heritage and to encourage others to do the same. Cheerleading teaches responsibility, teamwork, and leadership—skills that go far beyond the gym floor or football field.

Of course, there are plenty of fun moments too. Pep rallies, homecoming parades, and game nights give the cheerleaders a chance to show off their hard work and creativity. The excitement of performing in front of classmates and hearing the crowd roar makes all the long practices worth it. The bonds formed between teammates are strong, built on trust, laughter, and shared memories. Every lifted stunt, every synchronized chant, and every big smile reflect the team’s unity.

In the end, cheerleading isn’t just about cheers and routines. It’s about pride, teamwork, and community. It’s about standing tall in front of a crowd and representing something bigger than yourself. Whether they’re flying through the air during a halftime stunt or leading a chant from the sidelines, cheerleaders are the heartbeat of school spirit—always ready, always smiling, and always cheering their team to victory.

After football season ends, basketball season begins in the winter. During the winter, the cheerleading team normally hosts a Kids Camp. Kids will come practice and have an exciting time with the team. Good luck to the Knights Cheerleading team for the rest of their season.

Randall Sauceman (Vlogger) and Anthony Johnson (Vlogger)

Chuckey-Doak High School
365 Ripley Island Rd, Afton, TN
(423) 798-2636