New Cheerleaders Selected

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   The University of Arkansas at Monticello cheer team held tryouts April 31. Male and female college and high school students were allowed to tryout for the team. 

   The students selected were sophomores Meggan LaMarche, Jermaine Smiley, Brittany Mathews and Billy Huggins, freshman Sylvia Sweaney and incoming freshman Audrey Cook, April Brown, Whitney Haynes and Ruey Hendrix. 

   Nine women and three men participated in the tryout. The candidates were required to demonstrate essential skills such as two consecutive toe touches, one chant, short funk dance, tumbling, co-ed stunts and one cheer including a cheer, chant and dance. 

   Director of Student Programs and Activities Lindsey Kight said the students did well at the tryouts. 

   “I am very pleased,” Kight said. “I think we’re going to have a wonderful squad this year.” 

   When asked about her experience, Sweaney said it was “overwhelming and very enjoyable at the same time and a great learning experience.” 

   Academic requirements for freshmen include two letters of recommendation, high school transcript, proof of enrollment at the University of Arkansas and a completed UAM cheer packet with the appropriate forms filled out. 

   Before trying out, freshman must meet two out of three requirements. Students need to score a minimum composite of 18 on the ACT, maintain a minimum high school cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and rank in the upper 50 percent of their class. 

   Current student requirements include two letters of recommendation, enrollment in at least 12 hours, a cumulative 2.00 grade point average and a completed cheer packet with the appropriate forms filled out. 

   Scholarships awarded to all UAM cheerleaders include 13 half-tuition scholarships per semester distributed to 12 cheerleaders and one mascot. Captains receive full scholarships and the other cheerleaders receive half-tuition.

 

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