Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jefferson County K-12 (JCS) is excited to be building its varsity cheerleading squad during the 2022-23 football and basketball seasons. Head Cheer Coach Shelbi McCall says the group has been representing the community well at games while focusing on being a positive spotlight for the school. This is McCall's first year at JCS, and she brings with her five years of experience being the head varsity cheerleading coach in Dixie County.
She says that they had great interest in cheerleading during the JCS tryouts, with the following students selected for this year's squad: Samiah Washington, Serenity Murray, Desire Nealy, Patience Andrews, Komara Moore, Keymira Harris, Adriana Fernandez, Lily Mahek, Jalayha Howard, Mar’Kyra Moore and Quanijah Shivers. Although some have experience in cheerleading, the majority of the squad is new to the sport.
The squad has been practicing every weekday after school, and after beginning with foundational skills for cheerleading they are now working on advanced stunting skills and developing their capabilities with collegiate-style cheerleading.
“I work to inspire these girls to cultivate a positive outlook and learn how to carry themselves with confidence into the world, whatever path they ultimately choose,” says McCall.
McCall sees this year as a building year, much like it is for the other sports teams at JCS. She envisions putting a program in place that begins in middle school and provides a pipeline of cheerleaders moving forward into the varsity squad.
McCall commutes to Monticello from her hometown of Mayo, Fla., where her family has been part of the farming community for six generations.
“I am honored to be here and to be part of the change and restoring the roar in Jefferson County,” says McCall. “I hope to be here for many years to come.”
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