Canton Academy cheer squad is b-a-n-a-n-a-s

By Courtney Warren

Once again, the Canton Academy cheer squads have shown up and showed out at their annual cheer camp. At the Universal Cheerleader Association (UCA) Camp at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), the CA Panthers cleaned up in regards to awards and recognition for their spirit, dedication, and bleeding black and gold.

This year, the Panthers broke a school record and earned their first gold ribbon on the first night of evaluation. The gold ribbon recognizes a superior squad that outperforms even the first place awards. During their second evaluation, the team received blue, and, on their final day of camp, the varsity Panthers placed first in Game Day Routine, second in Cheer, second in Sideline, and third in Dance.

Finally, for the seventh year in a row, the Panthers won the banana. The banana award is given to the school that shows the most spirit throughout the entire week.

Senior and team captain Ashlyn Thompson said, “Cheer camp definitely made us so much stronger and closer as a squad. Getting the gold ribbon for the first time really showed us that this team has so much to offer, so that kept us motivated all week. This year, I hope to make the greatest memories with my best friends. I look forward to the many practices, pep rallies, and halftime shows. I hope I can leave a lasting impact on our program, and I know this season is going to be the best yet!”  

During camp, several cheerleaders made All-American, which involved a qualifier and a try out process. 

This year, seniors Ashlyn Thompson, Hannah Dill and Anna Claire Mabry, junior Gates Welch, and sophomore Addison Cado made All-American. 

Cheer Coach Mary Morgan Reams said, “These awards are such a huge honor. Our team captain Ashlyn has put in the hard work every year, especially this year, and has made me so proud. Ashlyn helps choreograph all of our dances with Hannah Dill and Anna Claire Mabry. Her talent is endless, and being her coach has been such an honor. Anna Claire Mabry’s love for everyone little and big amazes me. She is a wonderful role model with a positive and easy going attitude at all times. Another one that spreads that positivity is Hannah Dill. Her laughter is infectious and makes everyone on the squad happy. She works hard each and every day." Reams said, “Gates Welch was another stand out and was named All-American. She is so unbelievably talented, and I am so proud of her for always being herself. She was one of our girls to not only be named All-American, but also received a Pin It Forward Award. She pushes through her comfort zone every year at camp, and her efforts show. Addison Cado was our final All-American, and her growth has really made her stand out on the squad. She is another that was named All-American and received a Pin It Forward Award. I’m so proud of her determination; it is one of my favorite qualities about her.”

The Pin It Forward Award is a program at the UCA camp that recognizes standout cheerleaders who portray the characteristics of leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness and motivation. Once a cheerleader receives the two pins, they will find another cheerleader who demonstrates those same qualities and “Pin It Forward.”
Sophomore Maggie Penn was also awarded the Pin It Forward Award. 
 

“Maggie had the best attitude all week. Her smile is contagious, and I love her passion for the sport of cheerleading. She cheered on all the young girls and was such a role model for JV, and I’m so grateful for that. All of these girls are going to go wonderful places. I can’t wait to see what this year holds,” said Reams.