For senior SVHS cheerleaders, this season wasn’t just about cheering from the sidelines. It was the final chapter of four years filled with competitions, long practices, bus rides, team dinners, and friendships that shaped their high school experience.
Italy Erickson said her favorite memory came during state this year.
“My favorite memory from cheer was probably state this year,” Erickson said. “Even though we didn’t get the results we wanted, we all knew how good we did and how hard we worked. There was something so special about that moment. It felt like no matter what the scores said, we were proud of ourselves. It was really cool to see everyone come together and support each other like that, when we were all so sad and disappointed.”
For Rylynne Merritt, the memories stretch back even further. “I would have to say my favorite memory from cheer was probably my freshman year state season. Me, Harper Sessions and Kynzee Hurd became super close that year and we made sure to work as hard as we could and we still had fun doing it. The memories made in that gym during those years were definitely ones I will never forget,” said Merritt.
While the seniors cherish their favorite moments, many say cheer has helped them grow into stronger individuals. Dallas Erickson explained how much the sport has shaped her personally. She said, “Being a cheerleader has helped me grow in many ways from leadership to work ethic along with so many other things.”
Erickson continued, “I have learned how to communicate and work with a team while building relationships that will last for the rest of my life, as well as learning how to be a leader and push through all of the hard times and difficult practices.”
Leadership has been especially important this year. Kesslie Turner said stepping into that role challenged her.
“I have grown as a leader by stepping into a role that has pushed myself,” Turner said. “It’s been hard to be the person that has to speak up and tell people what to do and what not to do, but I believe that it’s set me up to be more assertive in my future.”
Her positive attitude has not gone unnoticed. Shyann Hoopes said Turner made the biggest impact on her cheer experience.
“The teammate that has had the biggest impact on me is Kesslie because she always shows up happy with a smile on her face and she’s welcoming to everyone and always tries her very best,” Hoopes said.
For Vanna Bazil, one moment she would relive is state football this year.
“If I could relive one cheerleading event it would probably be state football this year because the game was so hyped after we won and after me and all the girls in my hotel room had so much fun messing around,” Bazil said.
The bond between this senior class is something they all agree is special. Brock Erickson described it simply but meaningfully.
“We’re really close,” Erickson said. “We mess around a lot, but when it’s time to work, we lock in. You have to trust each other in cheer, especially with stunts, so that makes us tight. They’re not just teammates — they’re my friends.”
That trust is built through hours of practice and supporting one another, whether things are going perfectly or not.Beyond the games and competitions, many seniors say cheer changed their lives outside of school as well.
“Cheer has impacted my life so much,” Harper Sessions said. “Most of all it has given me some of my best friendships with people I never thought I would call friends. Another significant thing it has done for me is given me confidence. I used to be pretty shy and was scared to talk to anyone but cheer has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me the confidence to approach people. Because of cheer I have become more involved in things that happen within the student body. Overall cheer has helped me build so many life skills which I use everyday and I am so grateful for them.”
As the seniors prepare to graduate, they also shared advice for younger cheerleaders.
“To make the most of your senior year in cheer, focus on building strong relationships with your teammates,” Camryn Young said. “Spend time together both on and off the mat, as those friendships and memories will last well beyond high school. Be organized with schoolwork, cheer practice, and games, and your personal life; don’t let it overwhelm you. Push yourself to grow in skills by trying new stunts, setting personal goals, and improving technique. But overall, cherish every moment of your senior year through the excitement of games, competition, and the memories you make with your teammates, because those experiences are forever unforgettable.”
From state competitions to Friday night lights, this senior class leaves behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, resilience, and unity. Their four years on the team may be over, but the lessons they learned and the memories they created at Star Valley High School will stay with them long after their final cheer.
