by Trina Walker

The excitement of the crowd and fan spirit make high school sports the heart of a community. Cheerleaders are at the center building this spirit. 

Addisyn McElhaney, a sophomore cheerleader at Afton High School says, “I love being one of the first people that everyone sees and thinks of when they see Afton and I love being the face of our spirit.”

She began cheering with Afton as a pee-wee cheerleader in first grade. She knew then cheering would become her passion saying, “this was gonna be my thing and I loved it.” Addisyn traveled extensively as a competitive cheerleader. During this time she made many friends while developing skills she now uses for her high school cheer team. 

Cheering is about working together. Making it look easy means they are doing their job well. “Nothing is going to look good or go well if you don’t cooperate.” The best part of cheer she says is “seeing us work together and all the bonds we create. I just love doing it and seeing all the students get excited and full of spirit.” 

Team co-captain, Abby Osterberger, is a big influence for Addisyn. “Abby is so sweet and caring and is always there to help. I am so fortunate to be able to work with her,” she said. Addisyn’s biggest cheerleaders are her parents. “They’re such hard workers and care so much for everything and everyone. I wanna say thank you to my parents and coaches for always pushing me to do my best and putting up with me. I love you all.”

Whether on the sidelines cheering, or in everyday life, Addisyn says to “just be yourself and do what you love, stop worrying about what everyone else is thinking and doing.”

Addisyn is active in FCCLA, FFA, Student Council, band and Interact Club.

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