As the Star Valley High School cheerleaders wrap up their state competition, they transition back into the basketball season, cheering on what we all hope will be a successful run to the boys and girls state basketball tournaments.

With competition season coming to an end, the cheerleaders have been making the most of their final moments together before the 2024-2025 season concludes. For many, this team has been a year-long commitment, fostering friendships and supporting each other both on and off the mat and court. Others, however, had the opportunity to join the team specifically for state. Senior Bridger Wolfley reflects, “Cheer was something I stepped into warily, but I grew to love it fast! The whole team is dedicated to working hard and lifting each other up—literally and figuratively. I love being able to stunt and tumble, as well as show my school spirit.”

The competitive cheer season runs from October through January, but many cheerleaders continue into basketball season, making cheer one of the longest-running activities at the school. In fact, for some, cheer is nearly a year-round commitment, starting with tryouts in May and continuing until the following tryouts the next spring, with only brief breaks in between.

During the summer months, the cheerleaders are highly active in the community, participating in local parades and fundraising events. One of their biggest fundraisers is the Search and Rescue Rodeo, where they help run concessions, sell snacks in the stands, and clean up after the event. Another annual responsibility is their highway cleanup project, during which they pick up litter in designated areas to give back to the community that supports them. This year, they braved cold and rainy conditions twice to complete the cleanup, with help from the SVHS cadettes.

In addition to their community involvement, the cheerleaders maintain a rigorous practice schedule over the summer. This year, they had mandatory three-day-a-week practices from June through most of August. One of the highlights of their summer training was attending UCA cheer camp, where some members had the opportunity to try out for the prestigious All-American team. Twelve SVHS cheerleaders earned All-American status, and two even traveled to Hawaii to perform in the Pearl Harbor Parade.

While summer is a critical time for learning new stunts and cheers for football season and parade performances, the team also makes time for bonding outside of practice. Whether grabbing lunch together, planning outings, or reviewing routines, they build strong friendships that carry into the school year.

Through every season, the cheerleaders can be found on the sidelines, helping around town and school, and supporting their peers. Cheer offers a fresh start for many, whether they are incoming freshmen or seniors trying something new. Freshman Karlee Martin shares, “Cheer has been the highlight of my year. I’ve made so many new friends and learned so much. I’m looking forward to doing it again next year!”

If you’ve ever thought about joining cheer, now is the time—take the leap and try something new!

Gallery • 3 Photos

The Cheerleaders and Brave Cadettes of Star Valley High School pose for a selfie while senior Kumari McCormick takes a picture. This selfie was taken before the teams walked in the annual homecoming parade. This parade would be the opener to a very successful homecoming game were the SVHS football went up against Cody coming out on top with a 52-35 score. Junior Brock Erickson said, " This was my first homecoming halftime I performed with the cheer team, and it is like no other".