Jr. cheer squad bowl bound

PEA RIDGE — There will be Blackhawk junior high cheerleaders performing in the cheer squad at the New Year’s Day Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

The junior ’Hawks won a superior rating at camp at the University of Arkansas, according to their coach, Nikki Van Dyke. Because of that honor, they were invited to perform in the bowl. Ten of the 20 cheerleaders on the squad plan to attend.

The cheerleaders work hard to perfect their stunts, but also to raise money to fund the trip, which is expected to cost $15,000. They’ve sponsored a haunted house during Halloween, a craft fair and chili supper, a dance at school, washed cars and solicited donations from area business and civic organizations.

“They receive a video and the music for the routine,” VanDyke said, explaining that the cheerleaders practice the routine to be performed before making the trip.

“Half of these kids have never flown before. Some have never been out of the state,” she said.

Junior Blackhawks Zach Rogers, Brian Skinner, Haley Roughton, Brittney Thomas, Baleigh Almond, Haley Edwards, Brooke Johnson, Kaylee Laster, Vanessa Hibbert andCassie Turner are the cheerleaders planning to make the trip.

Trophy winners from Universal Cheerleading Association, Universal Dance Association and American Cheerleaders Association summercamps are invited, according to Melanie Berry with Varsity Special Events.

“Teams from all over the nation will be there,” Van Dyke said. The squad will be gone for four days, during which they will tour Universal Studiosand Walt Disney World.

“It costs $800 to go,” she said. “Wealthier schools can go. We have a lot of work to do. It’s a big task to raise this much money.

“This will be great to put on their resumes. I just want them to experience it. It will broaden their world,” she said.

The Pea Ridge School Board approved the out-of-state trip at their regular board meeting Monday night. The trip is being made at no cost to the school district.