The Hand cheerleading team recently completed another weekend at the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) Camp that was held at Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts. For the second year in a row, the Tigers’ cheerleaders came home with the Tradition Plaque for “inspiring leadership on and off the field.” The Tigers also had two cheerleaders picked to the UCA Varsity All-American Cheer Team. These cheerleaders were invited to march in the New Year’s Day Parade in London. Cheerleaders are nominated to try out for this team by performing jumps, a dance, and a cheer, which were evaluated in front of the entire camp. The two athletes chosen from Hand were seniors Katherine Hotchkiss and Caroline McKeon. Another special distinction that was presented was the UCA Pin it Forward Award, which was voted on by the UCA staff and the campers. The award goes to the cheerleaders who stood out during the week for both their skill and sportsmanship. Captain Amanda Jepson earned this honor for Hand.

The members of the Tigers’ cheerleading team are Grace Lavin, Morgan Blake, Brooke Esposito, captain Heather Whelahan, Hotchkiss, Amy Williams, McKeon, Jepson, Sydney Dempsey, Dyonne Johnson, Heidi Whelahan, Gina Ciotti, Emily Splain, Izzy Carusone, Hunter Bernard, Ben Morin, and Ryan Pellatt.