Lopez cheer squad shines at camp

They're known not only for their dedication to cheering, but for their leadership skills and exemplary achievements in the classroom. As student-athletes, this seven-member squad has a cumulative grade point average of 3.54, with many of the girls managing to juggle their studies, sports and cheering all at the same time.

In fact, last year the girls opted for early morning practices, unwilling to give up their roles as the school's cheerleaders. "They have long days and big schedules," coach Stephanie Fowler said of her squad.

Their dedication continues this year, as the squad has just returned from a week-long Cheer-Leadership Camp at which they shined among the more than 40 squads present and strengthened their friendships. "This year our squad really bonded," said sophomore Lisa Vaughn.

Cheer camp was no walk in the park, as the girls had a rigorous schedule. Classes and workshops started at 8 a.m., and their days weren't wrapped up until 10 p.m.

They learned new dances and cheers from the National Cheerleading Association's coaches. The girls were also taught the latest moves and proper techniques to keep them safe during their stunts. "As the week progressed we got better and better," said Vaughn.

Their talent and dedication to improve wasn't missed by the camp coaches or the more than 350 other cheerleaders at camp. The Lady Lobo cheer squad was honored with the Leadership Award, voted on by the coaches. Each day a Spirit Stick was awarded to six of the 40 squads, voted on by all of the cheerleaders. Lopez was awarded the Spirit Stick not once, but twice during the five-day camp.

Because the Lopez cheerleaders consider themselves both leaders and athletes, they wanted a camp with a strong focus on leadership and problem solving. Cheer-Leadership Camp, which is sponsored by Washington Student Leadership, offers the girls leadership training along with technical skills. This is the third year the Lopez squad has attended the camp, and each year Fowler has been impressed with the results. "This is a terrific camp and I believe the kids get so much out of it," she said.

The 2005 squad has five returning members: Vaughn, Samantha Eg, Cassie Sheldon, April Holland and Randi Ritchie. Larissa Berg and Kaycee Potts, both freshmen, are new this year.

"I'm really proud of these young ladies and our community should be too," said Fowler. "They represented us well."

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