The cheerleading team at Lumen Christi has taken off this year after a major rebuild. At first, practices were delayed while the new coaches, Mrs. Kalahar and Mrs. Fries, completed background checks. Once everything was cleared, the team’s momentum grew quickly.

Senior Libby Reese said she never expected to be part of cheer, but when Mrs. Kalahar personally invited her, she jumped in. “The best part is putting on the uniform. I don’t even get nervous before games—I just get excited,” she said.

Senior Mady O’Neal had dreamed of cheering in high school and finally got her chance with the rebuild. Now one of the leaders, she loves firing up the student section at football games. “It’s like we’re giving the whole school more energy,” Mady said.

The team practices three days a week and has introduced new cheers like “Mighty Beat,” full of clapping and interactive moves to pump up the crowd. Even young kids joined in at the Divine Child game, showing the growing excitement around LC cheer.

There have been challenges, too—Peyton Best, a junior, took a scary fall during a flip and landed on her neck. Thankfully, she walked away without injury.

Still, spirits remain high. Mady is even considering cheering in college, and both she and Libby agree this is the most fun the team has had in years. They also credit Mrs. Kalahar and Mrs. Fries, both former cheerleaders, for bringing the program back to life.

Whether or not they go competitive, this year’s cheerleaders have already made their mark.