Embedded Files
By Briana Donaldson
On October 29 the PAHS cheerleading team was seen taking place at their first competition of the season, Colonial Leagues. They faced off teams like Bangor, Wilson, Saucon Valley, Catasauqua, Easton, Northern Lehigh, and Southern Lehigh. The PAHS cheer team took fifth place. For the past five months the team has been running full out routines, sharpening their jumps and dancing, and building new strengths.
The cheer team performs two routines that each competition one is their traditional routine where all their stunts, jumps, dances, and cheers are performed. They will be judged on how sharp they look, how loud they cheer, and if their different types of stunts and tumbling stand out. Their second routine is the gameday routine that shows their school spirit and how well they can draw the audience in. Traditional cheers, lively dances, and encouraging all the fans in the crowd to get involved. The cheerleaders try to carry out the message of the Knights Code. Protect Integrity by respecting the community, team, and themselves. Accept challenges by trusting one another while they perform at every event. Salute Kindness is found in how they treat people regardless of how they look or their background. Lastly Honor Diversity is shown when the cheerleaders show up for wrestling, basketball, and football games.
The Pen Argyl cheer team's ultimate goal is to make it to districts. It’s not just about the prizes or the trophies, but it’s about showing the dedication and hard work they have put into the season every week. Sophomore Macaelyn Snyder says “As a team we come together and work as a team to accept those challenges and not give up.” As they step out on the mat that two minute routine is what encourages them to push their own limits as a group and individually.
Photo Courtesy of Lizzie Valeta
The 2025-2026 Varsity Cheerleaders huddled together before they head on to the mat to perform their routine, a tradition before each performance.
In their 2023-2024 season the team placed third in the 2A Small division. Before they get to districts they have to compete at 5 different competitions. Head coach Elizabeth Valletta says “Last year, the team improved with every competition and performance. They were able to hit 0 at districts and qualify for states, where they performed a 0 deduction routine again.”
The PAHS cheer team took first place in their gameday routine in their 2024-2025 cheer season. Sophomore Cecilia Neidstadt says “Everytime we put on those uniforms we are entitled to show what true Green Knight Pride is.”
From the bows to their shoes the cheerleaders are more than sideline cheerleaders. They don’t want to just focus on building their own character, but also the spirit of the alumni and the current Green Knights. They value sportsmanship and leadership both on and off the field. They help raise money through different fundraisers at Tolinos Winery and The Slate Pub.
Snyder says “To me, being a cheerleader means showing up for everyone, supporting them, and keeping our traditions alive. It's about spirit, teamwork, and always being there to encourage others.”
Page updated
Report abuse