ALL AMERICAN NOMINEES from left to right: Mikayla Fortin, Jacqueline Laurent, Frances Kimball and Kacie Tripp.

A group of cheerleaders from Lake Region High School traveled to Bangor on Sunday, July 7 to attend a four-day cheerleading camp at Husson University, sponsored by the National Cheerleading Association (NCA).

The six Laker cheerleaders were: seniors Mikayla Fortin, Jacqueline Laurent, Frances Kimball and Kacie Tripp, along with sophomores Faith Duquette and Adrianna Merrill. They spent the four days learning new cheers and chants, dances and stunt sequences. They were then evaluated on the material they learned and earned three “superior” ribbons and three “excellence” ribbons (the highest award possible).

Of the six girls from Lake Region, four received All-American nominations (all seniors). An All-American nomination is a high honor within the sport and is someone who stands out to the staff at NCA for their skills in dance, motion technique, jumps, leadership and tumbling. After being nominated, tryouts were held on the third night of camp where they had to score a 23 (out of 30) or higher to be named an All-American. Frances Kimball was not only selected as an All-American, she scored the highest out of all the cheerleaders in the camp that tried out.

On the last day of camp, the Lakers were award the Herkie Award, named after the founder of NCA Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, which is given to a team that exemplifies the qualities of the NCA founder, including leadership, teamwork and strong values. They brought home a coveted spirit stick and Kimball was recognized for her leadership skills and awarded an Individual Leadership Award. Aside from the recognition and awards, the girls grew stronger as a team and learned skills that will aid them in their success both on and off the mat.

ATTEND CHEERING CAMP — Lake Region varsity cheerleaders attending a four-day camp in Bangor included (left to right) Frances Kimball, Jacqueline Laurent, Faith Duquette, Adrianna Merill, Mikayla Fortin and Kacie Tripp along with Coach Samantha Scarf (front).