School Spirit inspired Through Cheerleading

Basketball season is more than just fast breaks and buzzer-beaters, it’s also about the energy that fills the gym, much of it thanks to the cheerleaders. For many in the community, watching the cheerleaders perform is a highlight of the game, bringing back memories and creating new ones. As a varsity cheerleader myself, one of the biggest highlights for me is watching parents in the stands watching us cheerleaders perform with such big smiles on their faces.

Mrs. Dee Ann Richmond is the cheer coach for the New Hartford Varsity team. 

“It brings me back to my high school days,” Coach Dee Ann shares.  Watching these girls cheer brings me joy and laughter. Basketball season was my favorite!” For Coach Dee Ann, the excitement and camaraderie of the cheerleaders are as much a part of the game as the action on the court.

Mrs. Karen Randall, a physical education teacher at the high school, echoes this sentiment.

“I enjoy watching the New Hartford Cheerleaders cheer on the boys at the home games,” Mrs. Randall said. “I love to see how put together the cheerleaders are as a team. Hair and make-up are on point.”                                                                   

The attention to detail and teamwork displayed by the cheerleaders doesn’t go unnoticed, which it adds to the crowd and how some react to the cheerleaders performing on the court. 

For some, like Sara Palmieri, a middle school student and cheerleader, the impact is simple but powerful: “It makes me entertained and happy watching them.” According to Sara, the enthusiasm and spirit of the cheerleaders have a way of lifting everyone’s mood.

Aniya Hancock, who doesn’t attend the school, finds a personal connection with NH cheer leading through a friend on the squad.

“As someone that doesn’t go to this school, I have the pleasure of watching my friend cheer on the basketball team,” Aniya said. “Seeing how she involves herself in it, it seems like she is having a good time. That’s why I like going to watch her.”

 For Aniya, the joy comes from seeing her friend thrive and be part of something special.

Cheer leading has evolved far beyond its roots as a sideline activity. Today, it stands as a dynamic sport that fosters teamwork, school spirit, and lifelong friendships.

  “Cheer leading is all about sisterhood, ” Coach Dee Ann said. “The bonds we create together overcoming the challenges that come along with cheer go far past the season. Friendships for life. It’s teamwork. It’s friendship!”

 Dee Ann emphasizes how the connections formed through cheer leading extend well beyond the field, creating lasting relationships built on trust and mutual support.

Sara shares how cheer leading has impacted her personally, saying “Cheer leading means a big part to me because I gain many friendships from it and it really makes me work harder.                                                                                                          

For Sara, being part of the team is not just about performing routines—it’s about pushing herself to improve and forming meaningful connections with others.

Mrs. Karen Randall highlights the importance of school spirit in cheer leading. 

“Cheer leading to me means school spirit!” she said. “ Cheer gets the crowd going and it’s nice to see the girls do what they love!”

Mrs. Randall’s words reflect the energy and enthusiasm cheerleaders bring to every game, rallying fans and boosting morale.

When Aniya watches her friends cheering, she notices their  teamwork and encouragement.  

“Being there for your team—not always focusing on yourself but others, also being there for your team and giving them encouragement on the sidelines that could get us to win, ” Aniya said, underscoring the supportive environment within the squad, where each member motivates and uplifts one another.

The team agrees that cheer leading has become more advanced and positive over time. Tumbling skills have improved, voice protection techniques have changed like using your diaphragm to project your voice so it can be louder. And the sport now incorporates diverse dance elements like stomp and shake, making practices more fun and engaging. The girls work hard during their own practice times and locations, constantly striving to perfect stunts and lifts.

As the team continues to grow, members hope to see more girls get involved. With each game, they look forward to showcasing new stunts and cheers, demonstrating not only athleticism, but also unity and spirit.

Cheer leading

is much more than a sport—it’s a community where athletes build confidence, form lifelong bonds, and inspire those around them. Whether it’s through school spirit, hard work, or unwavering support for teammates, these cheerleaders prove that the impact of their sport goes far beyond the sidelines.