The Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University was the site for the Virginia High School League state cheer competition last week and the Glenvar Highlanders came out on top in Class 2. Salem also competed in Class 4 and fin- ished fourth.
Glenvar danced, flipped and cheered their way to 241.25 points, outcheering second place Graham High. This was the first state cheer title for the Highlander team.
“This group of 10 athletes has continuously chosen to push each other outside of their com- fort zones to truly grow as athletes and incredible humans,” said coach Sarah Hatfield. “Their deter- mination, perseverance and grit has paid off in the form of a Regional and now State Championship.”
The team includes seniors Kayelynn Dickson, Morgan Gaines, Carter Graffeo and Addison Snead, junior Elle Graffeo, sophomore Taylor Goldfield and four freshmen, Audree Frantz, Jillian Roberts, Claire Shrewsbury and Abby Woods. Hatfield’s assistant coaches for the Glenvar team are Desirae Bowles and Alex Powell.
“There is no group more deserving to bring home the very first state championship in cheer- leading for Glenvar High School,” said Hatfield.
Salem placed fourth in Class 4 behind state champion Broad Run, Grafton and Jefferson Forest. The Spartans qualified for the state by taking sec- ond in the Region 4D competition.
