GRAVETTE — The Gravette Junior High Cheer Team recently attended a cheer camp at the University of Arkansas hosted by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, according to Faith Hendricks, sponsor.

The first night at the camp, the girls received the “Top Banana” award, given to the team that shows the most spirit and unity. Holding the hugebanana was a good photo op for the team before the girls got into camp routines.

The cheerleaders were taught dance routines and sideline cheers and were evaluated for their ability to add choreography and stunt combinations. They received superior ribbons for cheers and chants, as well as spirit sticks each night.

Four girls were named “All-American Cheerleaders”: A. J. Claborn, MicaylaHendricks, Kinsley Hurtt and Jozi Weimer. They performed jump, sideline cheer and dance routines before an assembly of the entire camp.

The team brought home the “Traditions” award as selected by the entire UCA staff for leadership skills, school pride and spirit.

“We take great pride in representing our school at camp and showing other schools what it means to be from Gravette,” Hendricks said.

Sports, Pages 9 on 08/08/2012