Cheer sponsor Sonia Deleon and the cheer squad held a mini cheer camp on Tuesday September 14 and Wednesday September 15. Twenty-nine girls attended the camp last week including ones ranging from Pre-K to 5th grade. 

“Since I have been cheer sponsor, we have always had mini cheer camp,” Deleon said. “We had a great turnout this year. I would say better than the last couple of years.” 

Some of the elementary girls had attended the camp previous years, including 4th grader Avery Samaron. 

“I started it a year ago, and it was really fun. I wanted to try again,” Samaron said. 

Saige and Sloane Beerwinkle also attended the cheer camp last week, and their mom, Sarah Weldon, was hoping the cheer camp would teach her daughters about school spirit and what it means to be a Wolverine cheerleader. 

“The camp is a good way for the big girls to show off what they know and learn about cheering,” Weldon said. “They are setting a good example for the little girls in what it takes to be a cheerleader and what to expect if you want to join the squad in the future.” 

The high school cheerleaders, Halee Toscano, Kimberly Cruz, Jenna Bridges, and Emma Samaron, all taught the younger girls a cheer chant and a dance to perform at Friday’s pep rally and then the game later that night.

“The cheerleaders put in the work and do such a great job teaching the little ones,” Deleon said. “They enjoy what they do.” 

Halee Toscano was especially excited to get to work with the little girls this year. 

“It made me feel excited to see how many little girls look up to us HS cheerleaders, and teaching them is very fun because you get to know them more,” Toscano said. 

One of the many girls Halee taught included 2nd grader Hazel Sanchez. Sanchez had a blast at the cheer camp and had one particular part she enjoyed the most. 

“You get to do your own kick,” Sanchez said. 

SEHS cheerleader and junior Jenna Bridges enjoyed working with the girls as well. This is Jenna’s first year being on the squad, so it was her first time getting to be a part of the camp. 

“Seeing all these elementary students come out and do as good as they did and be as happy as they were reminded me of when I was a kid,” Bridges said. “I remember always being so excited for mini cheer camp and being able to cheer with all the big girls.” 

Deleon and all of the SEHS cheerleaders were happy to work the girls last week and see how excited everyone was at the camp.  

“It really makes me feel good about what I do. I love what I do!” Deleon said. “The joy in these girls faces makes it all worth it. The joy I see in the parents faces as well just gives me such a warm feeling in my heart.”