Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Wednesday, September 16, I had the opportunity to sit down and visit with seven very special seniors at Simpson Academy.
Seven senior cheerleaders! Now that’s something to celebrate.
Maddie Ellen Maddox, Dessie-Rhe Nevels, Addi Caite Smith, Stella Kees, Addyson Steed, Avery Week and Paton Myers make up this year’s senior group, under the leadership of cheer sponsor Kara Walker Polk.
We see these girls on Friday nights. We see the uniforms, the smiles, the cheers and the school spirit.
But what we don’t always see is the work.
Cheerleading doesn’t begin when the football team runs onto the field, and it certainly doesn’t end when the lights go out on Friday night.
These young ladies practice before school and after school—often several times a week. They work on routines, jumps, stunts and timing. They plan pep rallies. They make signs. They decorate. They help create the excitement and school spirit that surrounds so many Simpson Academy activities.
And the work continues throughout the year.
Their dedication has paid off. The Simpson Academy cheerleaders recently brought home a second-place trophy in competition, finishing second among 12 top squads from across the state.
That trophy represents much more than one day of competition. It represents hours and hours of practice, teamwork, sore muscles, early mornings, late afternoons and the determination to keep working until everyone gets it right.
And standing alongside these girls is Kara Polk.
Being a cheer sponsor involves a lot more than showing up for games. Kara gives countless hours to these young ladies—planning, practicing, traveling, organizing and encouraging. She expects their best while helping them become their best.
Sometimes I think cheerleaders and dance teams don’t receive enough credit for the time and effort required to do what they do. There is a tremendous amount of athletic ability involved, but there is also discipline, responsibility and teamwork.
As I visited with these seven seniors, something else stood out to me. Each one has a confidence about her—a love for her school, a sense of pride and a special spirit.
I couldn’t help but think there must be some mighty proud mamas and daddies watching these girls enjoy their senior year.
Senior year goes by much too quickly. For Maddie Ellen, Dessie-Rhe, Addi Caite, Stella, Addyson, Avery and Paton, this is a year filled with “lasts”—last football season, last pep rallies, last competitions and eventually that last time wearing a Simpson Academy cheer uniform.
But what wonderful memories they are making along the way.
Seniors are special. And these Sensational Seven are certainly something special!
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch my interview with the girls. You’ll quickly see why Simpson Academy has plenty to cheer about.
MageeNews.comis the source of news and views for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
Headmaster John Shows is a great supporter of his students.
