MULE NEWS, BITS & BRIEFS
The National Cheer Association (NCA) has a tradition of awarding the Go Be Great award at NCA High School National competitons. The Go Be Great Award is presented to a coach, team or program who goes above and beyond to make the world a better place, outside of cheerleading. You guessed it, this year’s Go Be Great winners were Alamo Heights High School Cheerleaaders, honored for leading with kindness in their communities. This program of young leaders kicked off the holiday season by collecting gifts and raising funds for a local ministry serving more than 850 children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. It didn’t stop at the holidays for this cheer team. This group also gave back to their wonderful school custodians and district nurses by raising over $2,000 to provide gift cards to their local grocery stores right before the holidays amid a pandemic. The girls credit their peers on the Spurs Dance Team and the Churchill Cheerleaders for their help and support in earning the Go Be Great award.
News from the Field, Sidelines & Stands Most Decorated In Texas You work hard, day in and day out. You face challenge with hope and continue to pursue your goals, even when it is difficult. These are just a few of the ways that the Alamo Heights High School Cheerleaders persevered in a year like no other. The Alamo Heights Cheerleading Program is now considered the most decorated in Texas history! To date, the teams have earned four Gold State Medals/State Rings and two State Silver Medals over the history of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Spirit Championships! The squad earned the Silver Medal in the 5AD2 Division in 2021.
Coach Ashley Johnson says, “Community is important to our program. We see the value that service teaches, acquiring life skills and knowledge beyond the scope of your own team or school. I’m beyond blessed to work with a group of young ladies that want to give back and see that being a cheerLEADER means being a leader beyond the team, into the larger community.”
The teams have taken their talent to the national stage, competing annually with top teams from around the country, making a name for themselves, ranking consistently in the Top Ten. The teams earned the Bronze Medal in the Junior Varsity Game Day routine, 7th Place in the Large Varsity Game Day routine, 4th Place in the Small Varsity and 4th Place in the Junior Varsity Performance categories.
Johnson earned her own accolades this year, named the Texas UIL Cheer Coach of the Year and National Federation of High School Coaches, Texas Girls Spirit Coach of the Year. #MulesUp
DANCING THEIR WAY TO THE TO
All-State Alamo Heights High School Band members Kaia Santos and Abby Golden have earned spots in the Texas All-State Band, a top honor for high school musicians in Texas. “We are so proud of their hard work and tenacity,” shared Band Director David Stephenson. Congrats to Choir member Lili Gnam and Orchestra member Daniel Halff for earning spots in their respective areas of performance at the state level! #MulesUp
AHISD Scho ol Views spring 2 0 21
— 11 —
P
The AHHS Spurs Dance Team took the stage by storm as they competed in the Showmakers of America national dance contest. The team earned the coveted Sweepstakes and Judges Awards, along with top honors in Showmanship and Choreography in all three of their routines! They earned distinction in Technique in HipHop and Pom, Precision accolades in HipHop, with an overall 4th Place ranking in HipHop, and a 2nd Place ranking in Pom. Their coach, Jessica Marie Sanchez calls them, “The most competitive, resilient team she has had the pleasure to coach!” #MulesUp
tweet:
Alamo Heights ISD @AHISD
