Senior cheerleaders to host home competition on Wednesday

The Breton Education Centre senior high cheerleading team will host their home competition Wednesday at the Breton Education Centre gym. Photo taken by Jeremy Fraser - New Waterford Community Press.

Senior cheerleaders to host home competition on Wednesday

By Jeremy Fraser
March 27, 2015

Miranda Gillis has been cheerleading for six years at Breton Education Centre, but next week's home competition will bring with it more emotions than usual for the graduating cheerleader.

"This being my last year, I feel sad that I won't be doing it anymore."

Gillis will be among six graduating cheerleaders who will participate in their final home cheerleading competition at Breton Education Centre on Wednesday.

The Bears, who are the defending provincial champions, enter the competition coming off a performance at Glace Bay High School this past Tuesday.

Coach Jessica MacPherson said the team will be making changes to its routine before Wednesday.

"We're really pushing our limits this time, so I think and hope that they all feel extremely proud after this competition."

Joining the Bears in the competition are Glace Bay High School, Riverview High School, Sydney Academy and Memorial High School.

The team has high hopes heading into their home competition, said Gillis.

"Our expectations for the competition is to go out there and perform at our best ability, trust and stick together no matter what."

MacPherson said her expectations for the home competition are not any different from other events.

"I want them to work hard, have fun and leave their hearts on the floor."

In preparation for the event, the cheerleaders have been practicing upward of four times a week.

"We are working on our routine and perfecting it. Having a positive mind set helps." said the veteran cheerleader.

Like Gillis, Morgan Donohue, Marissa Gillis, Jeslyn Smith, Sara Heffernan and Rebecca Penney will also compete in their final home cheerleading competition.

MacPherson expects emotions to be high for the graduating cheerleaders.

"They've all been in love with it since they started years ago, and I think their last year in school cheer is bittersweet for them all."

Gillis is very proud of her team this year.

"I wouldn't want to end it off with any other team than this one."

She said the team works hard on their performance.

"We hope the community can come out and support us at the competition and share the same excitement as we do while performing."

Doors open for the event at 5:45 p.m., while the competition is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the BEC Gym. The cost for entrance is $5 per person while children under five attend for free.