The Rocky Mount Academy Cheerleaders are arguably the most dedicated and lively group of girls around. With twelve devoted cheerleaders, this squad has practiced and performed around 25 different cheers. The cheerleading team consists of Anna Scott Wingfield (11^th), Lindy Pittman (11^th), Gracie Cox (11^th), Hannah Strickland (11^th), Averi Parker (9^th), Maxwell Miller (11^th), Suzanna Mosley (11^th), Erin O’Brien (12^th), Malone Bondy (10^th), Bridget Ward (11^th), Julia High (11^th), senior captain, Lucy Rose (12^th), and coach, Danielle Logan.

Although a large amount of attention is directed towards the football players, the cheerleaders are essential to each and every football game. When asked what their favorite part about cheerleading is, the Cheer Squad announced, “Our favorite thing is to make banners before football games!” They commit their time before each game to make a creative banner for our team to run through. They also spend many hours practicing their cheers to be performed at the games as well as at pep rallies. It is the cheerleaders’ job to get the crowd fired up at the games and spread their Eagle pride! To display just how invested the cheerleaders are, Averi Parker adds, “Cheerleading is not just all smiles. It involves a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Leading the Cheerleading Team this year is Coach Danielle Logan. Danielle has both a dance and cheerleading background. She grew up dancing at Crystal’s Elite Dance Studio, now known as Elite Dance Studio, and was also a cheerleader at her high school, Nash Central High. Her leadership unites the cheerleaders across grade levels and her energetic passion for the sport is evident at each after-school practice.

The cheerleading team’s captain this school year is senior, Lucy Rose. Lucy leads the Lady Eagles in stretching and cheers and has been a RMA cheerleader for the past 2 years. Lucy states that, “Cheerleading has been a big part of my high school career. I enjoy cheering on the Eagles every Friday night and spending time with girls in other grades. Go Eagles!”

Another bonus about being a RMA cheerleader is prepping before the big game. That’s right, bring out the bows, the sparkles, and the curling iron! Before every game, the cheerleaders get together and help one another get ready. Maxwell Miller stated that, “Cheerleading is a bonding experience for girls to learn about teamwork and friendship.” All the cheerleaders share a special bond both on the field and in their day-to-day lives. Gracie Cox added, “I love that all the cheerleaders are open to new ideas and uniqueness. It allows us all to reach our best potential as a person, and as a team.”

So, next time you see a cheerleader in the hallway or even at the next football game, be sure to give them a high five and remind them that their hard work does not go unappreciated!