The Middle School cheerleading squad has a record number of participants with 37 dedicated girls. The girls practice daily, cheer at football games, and hold pep rallies for each football game.
“It is so great to watch them cheer together and support the Darlington football program,” cheerleading coach and Middle School science instructor Leah Pels said. “We have been very lucky to have such responsible, enthusiastic girls.”
The cheerleaders have benefited this year from the help of a seasoned Upper School cheerleader. The squad recruited junior Tia Brown, a resident student from Stone Mountain, Ga., to assist Pels and Middle School physical education instructor Susan Stout.
Tia’s cheerleading experience has added excitement and knowledge to the program, Pels said. “Tia is excellent. We are fortunate to have her working with us. We are also fortunate that the cheerleaders’ parents have been so supportive. They have volunteered in all aspects. We truly appreciate their support and help,” Pels said.
The cheerleading squad includes sixth-graders Ashley Gaulin, Meredith Hom, Hope Lester, Fran Monteith, Strom Mull, Calley Niblett, Anna Orr, Rachel Peller, and Elizabeth Sturdivant; seventh-graders Lauren Bowling, Caroline Holbrook, Kim King, Kristin Kountz, Kyndall McKemie, Lacey Meadows, Anne Montgomery, Zoe Myers, Jessica Sloan, Mary Becca Watson, Mary Kate Watters, and Alyse Wellesley; and eighth-graders Megan Boling, Emily Brock, Neal Brown, Ellen Collier, Elizabeth Connelly, Katelyn Dellinger, Laura Draudt, Brittney Grindstaff, Mary Nevin Hobgood, Mary Beth Monk, Anice Moore, Britt Pittman, Ryan Randles, Mika Wells, Melissa White, and Brittany Wilson.
