GENTRY — Gentry High School’s cheerleaders were among the top five teams in the United States receiving honors and recognition from the National Cheerleaders Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Teams from all over the U.S. were asked to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Applications were submitted and the top five schools were selected based on their projects and the amount of money raised.

Gentry High Schoolcheerleaders donated a part of their fall cheerleader clinic money to this cause. The girls worked with elementary school children all week and then allowed them to cheer with them later in the week. Money raised was donated to the NCA and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Schools receiving recognition were: East Bernard High School cheerleaders from East Bernard, Texas; Children’s University cheerleaders from Arlington, Texas; West X-Press Recreation Team from Irving, Texas; Erie High School basketball cheerleadersfrom Erie, Ill.; and Gentry High School cheerleaders.

As one of the top five teams, the GHS cheerleaders will receive a check from NCA for $500, and NCA will also donate $500 to a local Make-A-Wish chapter to provide more assistance for a “wish child” in our area. GHS will also be spotlighted on the new Make-A-Wish section of the National Cheerleaders Association Web site.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children with lifethreatening medical conditions.

Sports, Pages 8 on 12/30/2009