Cheer camp prepares Warwick cheerleaders for fall season

To prepare for the fall season, the varsity and junior varsity cheerleading teams attended the National Cheer Association (NCA) Cheer Camp, which provided an incredible opportunity for both teams to grow as athletes and teammates by focusing on skill development, teamwork and school spirit.

Throughout the four-day camp at the end of August, the cheerleaders worked on perfecting stunts, tumbling, jumps and crowd-leading techniques. A major focus was team bonding - building trust and unity that will carry the teams through the fall season. Both squads also learned a mini routine at camp, which they performed at the end of the week and incorporated into their pep rally performances.

The Warwick cheerleaders stood out in several ways during camp. Both the varsity and junior varsity teams were awarded the coveted Spirit Stick on all three days, demonstrating their energy, dedication and sportsmanship. Varsity also earned the prestigious Team Herkie Award, which recognizes superior team performance and unity.

Several individual athletes received special honors at camp as well. Varsity captain Jolie O’Neill earned multiple distinctions, including Top Gun Jump Finalist and the Top NCA All-American Score in the entire camp—a remarkable accomplishment. O’Neill also received a Pin It Forward Award, which celebrates leadership, kindness, and the ability to inspire others.

Other Pin It Forward recipients on the varsity included Eva Pellino and Sophia DeGroat. All three of our senior captains (Amiya Chatman, Janiya Chatman, and Jolie O'Neill) were also nominated to become NCA Staff members post graduation. 

The prestigious NCA All-American Award was also a highlight. This recognition is given to individual cheerleaders who demonstrate superior technical skills in stunting, tumbling, and jumps, as well as outstanding leadership and spirit. All-American athletes are invited to perform at special events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Warwick’s All-American winners were Amiya Chatman, Janiya Chatman, Jolie O’Neill and Mayli Winfrey.