THS considers the cheerleading team very important to the school, as they are the ones who keep up the spirit of the Trojans. In the 2023 cheerleading season, there are five seniors: Kelsey Hyler, Aubree Moore, Emilie Merricks, Emma Moore, and Alex Wohlstein.
Kelsey Hyler has been a cheerleader since the fourth grade. Hyler has always shown her dedication and excitement for cheer and was titled a captain for the Trojan cheerleaders. This is her third year cheering for THS. Hyler has always loved being a cheerleader and enjoys being able to represent the spirit of the Trojans. Hyler’s favorite skill in cheer is the stunts. Hyler says the thing she will miss most is the friends and bonds she has made on the team. Hyler enjoys cheering for both sports, however basketball is her favorite because she knows more about basketball, so it makes it more interesting and enjoyable to cheer for. If she decides to stay in Danville for college then she will try out to be a cheerleader at Averett University.
Aubree Moore has been cheering for seven years total, and this is her second year cheering for THS. Moore’s favorite skill is her high toe touches. Moore says the most challenging part of being on the team is the summer practices, however, it pays off because it keeps them ahead and prepared for the season. Moore will miss all of the bonds she was able to make once she graduates. “Basketball season is my favorite time to cheer because it starts to become more intense, and you get to battle which is really fun,” Moore said.
Emilie Merricks has been a cheerleader for two years, both spent on Varsity. Merricks was inspired to join the cheer team because she wanted to try something fun and new. Merrick’s favorite thing about cheering is her teammates, and they are also the ones who she will miss the most when graduating. Merricks hopes to go to the University of Florida, so if she continues college there she will try out for the Gators cheer team. “I knew I wanted to be a cheerleader when I was younger because I loved the poms and being able to be loud, so it’s always fun to have the opportunity to be as loud as possible and also dress up and look cute,” Merricks said. Merrick says she prefers cheering for basketball season because she is able to battle, and it’s much more fun and exciting when your team gets to battle together.
Emma Moore has been a cheerleader for 12 years. Emma has always shown her hard work she puts into cheer and has also been titled a captain for the cheer team. When Moore was young her parents decided to put her in cheerleading and ever since then she has always been passionate about it. Moore’s favorite skill is the dance performances they get to do. Moore will miss all the friendships she has made on the team when she graduates. Moore says the hardest but most rewarding part about cheering is the time put in because it’s difficult managing school and cheer and a personal life all at once, however when she gets on the sidelines or field it all pays off when she gets to show how much hard work she’s put in.
Alex Wohlstein has been a cheerleader for 11 years with ALL-STAR and three years with Tunstall. “ I started cheer at a young age and [it] was something I always had around me and I grew up in that aspect of it and with always moving cheer was the place that has always felt like home to me,” Wohlstien said. The best part of cheering for her is getting ready together with her friends and having a team that is like a second family. Wohlstein plans to continue cheerleading at Morehead State as she has already committed to their all girl program. Her favorite skill in cheerleading is tumbling, and more specifically an Arabian double. Wohlstien said she will miss the people most when she graduates as well as having a place to come after school to relieve stress and have a second family that she gets to spend time with. Basketball season is her favorite to cheer for because she feels that there is more going on that she understands and she has always enjoyed it.
Be sure to come out and watch and support your 2023 cheerleaders on Friday at the Trojan field at 7!
