The Gilmer High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Squads, coached by Jocelyne Carter, earned top awards at one of the largest National Cheerleading Association (NCA) summer camps held at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

The Varsity and Junior Varsity squads both earned a coveted bid to the NCA National Championships. This tremendous accomplishment is awarded to only those teams exemplifying the best overall skill and technique, positive attitude and good sportsmanship.

Both squads also received the Spirit Stick three nights in a row, and brought it home. The Spirit Stick is presented to those teams showing the most sincere enthusiasm, taking into account promptness, cooperation, relationships with other teams and leadership.

The Varsity squad earned five blue ribbons (rated Superior) and one red ribbon (rated excellent). In addition, they won the Jumps Award, presented to the team who displayed superior technical skills in jumps, and the S.P.O.T. Award, for displaying excellent technique in safety, spotting and stunt technique.

The Junior Varsity squad also earned four blue ribbons and two red ribbons.

“Our cheerleaders and mascot represented Gilmer very well in a variety of categories,” said Jocelyne Carter, Gilmer cheer coach. “I believe they will not only continue Gilmer traditions, but will set a new standard of excellence with crowd involvement, skill, community service and Buckeye spirit.

“The Buckeye Mascot really showed the camp how crowd involvement is done,” said Coach Carter. First-year mascot Jared Josey, also known as “Nutty,” earned the Most Improved trophy, one Superior ribbon and one Excellent ribbon for his mascot evaluations.

Notable individual awards were also received. Outstanding cheerleaders named to the prestigious All-American Team who demonstrated the best jumps, spirit and a perfect Camp Cheer at All-American tryouts were. They are: Shaylee Wilson, Brittney Geers, Lacy Hodges and Kayla Smith.

The following outstanding individuals were named as All-American Nominees. These members earned the opportunity to tryout at camp for the NCA All-American Team: Secily Coleman, Bethany Royer, Shaylee Wilson, Brittney Geers, Desirae Wilkerson, Emily Williams, Lacy Hodges, Colin Coleman, Angela Oglesby, Chelsea Miears, Emily Martin, Kayla Smith and Jared Josey.

Coach Carter was also tested during camp and recognized during closing ceremonies for her technical knowledge and hands-on cheerleading training. She is an NCA-Credentialed Coach and a member of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators.