Cheerleading and dance team tryouts took place earlier this week, and as part of the festivities, the people who tried out wore hula girl costumes around school all day yesterday. Cheerleading and dance team are both very important extracurricular activities. They play a big part in all of East’s sporting events. Finding new members who are enthusiastic and can pump up a crowd is crucial every year.

I interviewed Peyton Portratz, a cheerleader at East, about cheerleading tryouts. “70-80 girls typically try out.” she said. “You learn three cheers/chants and a dance, and then you learn a finals cheer. You have to make up the last eight-count of the finals cheer. You also have to do a double jump. It used to be a triple jump, but it got changed.” she explains. “What I like most about cheerleading is being involved, being at sporting events, meeting new people, and representing East in a positive way. What I don’t like about cheerleading is that it’s a big time commitment.” she says.

Being involved in cheerleading gives you a chance to meet new people, and go to many school events. You will also get to compete against other schools, and participate in cool activities like pep rallies. Cheerleaders are the definition of school spirit, so they have to be positive, happy, and full of energy. They have to be the type of people who, when they walk into a room, can instantly improve the moods of everyone in it. These types of people make the perfect cheerleaders.

To be involved in cheerleading, you have to be athletic and coordinated. Taking gymnastics can help with that. You also have to be enthusiastic. You have to be positive, happy, and full of energy. If you can be all of these things, you will be the perfect cheerleader.

Cheerleading is a very fun extracurricular activity. It allows you to meet new friends. It allows you to go to sporting events and other events. It helps you get involved in your school and community. It’s a big time commitment, but it’s worth it. It just might be the best part of your high school experience.