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(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | GRAHAM HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING) The Graham High School cheer squad spent time at a camp last week where they worked on their craft and improved their chemistry as a team. The team also earned a number of awards for their performances throughout the week. -
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | GRAHAM HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING)Graham High School’s cheer team had six athletes try out and get selected as All-Americans. The six All-Americans are (in no particular order) Sara Peyton Dospapas, Emily Clark, Ella Andrade, Aiyana Gideon, Emma Hamm and Bayleigh McGee.
As fall sports teams like volleyball, football, tennis and others are nearing the official start of their seasons, so too are the Graham High School cheerleaders.
The GHS cheer squad spent last weekend at a Universal Cheerleaders Association camp at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine from Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14. These camps provide an opportunity for athletes to establish chemistry, improve their skills and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Not only did Graham’s cheer team have a great time at the camp, but the girls made a statement by bringing home a number of individual and team awards and accolades.
To start, Graham had six cheerleaders try out for and make the All-American Cheerleader team. The six All-Americans are senior Sara Peyton Dospapas, junior Emily Clark and sophomores Ella Andrade, Aiyana Gideon, Emma Hamm and Bayleigh McGee.
“The All-American cheerleading nomination is ‘An individual award given to those who display superior technical skills, leadership, and strong personal values,’” GHS cheer coach Brooklyn Walls said. “Those who made the squad will have the opportunity to travel and perform at special events all around the world with the team.”
In addition to her selection as an All-American cheerleader, Dospapas was invited to try out for a UCA staff position next year following her graduation.
Other individual accomplishments included Rylee Ranger winning the Dancing Diva award and Paisley Bailey winning the Pin It Forward award, as well as winning the Top Camp Mascot for her work as Ole’ Blue.
Graham’s team as a whole had a standout showing throughout the weekend. The squad was awarded three spirit sticks, which are typically given for displaying positive attitudes and contagious spirit. The team also received two “superior” ribbons for their performances throughout the event.
Graham’s cheer squad shined the whole weekend and it all culminated on the last day of competition.
“On the last day of camp, all squads competed with a Game Day performance that consisted of a band chant, situational sideline and a cheer,” Walls said. “Graham was awarded second place for our cheer, and we won first place for the entire Game Day Routine in the large school category.”
With all the success they had throughout the course of the camp and the incredible final day of performances, the GHS cheer team received a bid to compete at the UIL State Cheerleading event in January 2025, a major achievement for any team.
