The Mascoutah High School cheerleading squad was recently named the national winner of the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) American School Spirit Award.
The American School Spirit Award is presented annually to a cheer squad that exemplifies community service, outstanding athletic support, spirit raising activities and high academic standards.
“The cheerleaders have brought back a school-wide positive spirit that we were lacking,” said Mascoutah Athletic Director Henry Johnson. “They show every day that it’s important that we care for others as much as we care for ourselves.”
The squad’s community service work included a fundraiser for a local family whose house was lost to a fire and helping an elderly couple clean up their property following a tornado.
“Congratulations to the Mascoutah High School cheerleading squad on this deserving honor,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “The IHSA is founded on the belief that participation in sports and activities are vital in the overall development of young people and this is a shining example of that. The members of this squad have represented their families, school, community and the IHSA with great pride.”
Mascoutah has been just as successful in competition as it has in its efforts in the community, having qualified for the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Final meet in four of the five seasons it has been contested, including a trio of Top 10 finishes.
In addition to Mascoutah’s honor, Mundelein High School’s squad was recognized by the UCA with the Outstanding Achievement Award.