At Alamo Heights Junior School, there is a cheer club where you can cheer from 6th grade to 8th grade. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be new to cheer? Whether you have prior experience or not, the AHJS cheer club welcomes everyone and teaches you everything you need to know!

“I always liked watching the cheerleaders perform when I went to football games, and so I thought I could try it,” says Emory White. Emory White’s first year on the team “has been a crazy whirlwind of fun.” Olivia Batchelor is also a first-year cheerleader. “I started school cheer because I wanted to be more involved with Alamo Heights.” Cheer is definitely a great way to be more involved with the school and the community.

If you ask Kaki Marceau, she will say, “I love being on a team with my friends.” It’s a great way to be social and make new friends, along with getting to spend more time and learn new things with your friends. But even if you are with friends or not, trying new things can sometimes be scary. Just ask Hallie Christian, who has had past experience with cheer. “Sometimes I feel like I am not as good as the older girls, but they are all nice and cheer me on.” Being in cheer is a big commitment, but being around people who support you makes it all the better.

If you were to ask any veteran, they would say, “It’s really cool to be an experienced cheerleader because I remember in sixth grade looking up to all the eighth graders and being like leaders and all of that, and I always wanted to be them one day. It’s an honor to be in those shoes now,” Caroline Wommack says with confidence. Being a veteran is always an honor; everyone will look up to you.

“The coaches here have made it much easier to learn how to cheer,” says Hadley Hulobar. Being experienced can feel easy, but there are always challenges. Even Hadley thinks, “It’s hard sometimes, um, but it’s really fun and I love it.” Being a veteran is a privilege. Things get better but not easier; there is always something new to learn.

Being in cheer is not easy, nor will it ever get easier, no matter if you are a veteran or a new cheerleader. Experienced or not, there are always challenges to face. Being a veteran or a new cheerleader are very different experiences, but they are also very similar.