The Star Valley Braves cheer team is back and ready to take on the 2025–26 season with spirit and determination. The team officially launched their season with their first practice on Friday, May 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. Returning members and new faces came together to begin preparations for the year ahead.
To start things off, the cheerleaders played a few icebreaker games, helping everyone feel more comfortable and giving the new members a warm and friendly welcome. With captain elections just around the corner, it was the perfect way to begin building team connections and boosting morale.
Following the games, the team got to work on stunting. Even though it was only the first practice, they wasted no time jumping into the basics—collaborating with new partners and trying out new skills. The energy was high, and it was clear the team is already focused on growth, unity, and supporting other school teams throughout the year.
The cheerleaders gathered again on Saturday, May 24, at 9:00 a.m. for their annual highway cleanup. Each year, the team participates in this tradition as part of their commitment to the community, having officially “adopted” a section of highway. It’s a meaningful way for the team to make a positive impact beyond the sidelines.
“Our team loves giving back to the community,” said Head Coach Faith McNaughton. “Service is something we value deeply, and highway cleanup is a tradition that allows us to show pride in our town and take responsibility for keeping it beautiful.”
Upcoming sophomore Kyli Hoopes also shared her excitement about the season: “It’s so great to be back with the team. I’ve missed the energy and all the people. Doing community service together is such a great way to kick off the year—it really brings us closer.”
After finishing the cleanup, the team celebrated with a trip to Swirl in Afton to enjoy frozen yogurt as a reward for their hard work. It was a fun and relaxing way to wrap up a productive and meaningful weekend.
With the season just beginning, the Star Valley Braves cheer team is already demonstrating strong teamwork, commitment, and school pride. It’s sure to be an exciting year ahead.
