Hillsborough High School Cheer's Road to Disney
During a weekend in February, Hillsborough High School’s Varsity Competition Cheer Team competed at the annual UCA (United Cheer Association) High School Cheer Competition in Disney World, Florida. However, this wasn’t an open competition; they had to earn their place. After competing at several regional competitions, the team earned a bid from the judges, which was an invitation to compete at Disney along with other high level schools from across the nation.
The Hillsborough Raiders receiving their bid at a regional competition.
HeyBORO interviewed Charlotte Newton, a junior on the cheer team, to gain more insight on the experience. “[Disney’s] the thing we’ve been working towards for the past seven months,” Newton explained. The team had to prepare for this competition both mentally and physically. Even in Florida, there was no time for distractions. On their way to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, located on Disney property, the team was stripped of anything that could derail them from focusing, including their cell phones. This was a great way to encourage team motivation and cooperation before competition.
The HHS Cheer Team in action during competition.
Although the Raiders did not make it through the first round, Newton told us that “just getting to Disney is an accomplishment in itself”. At the end of the day, the most memorable experience of the trip would be the team’s adventures throughout the parks. The team was able to separate into small groups to enjoy the features that Disney offered, while still regrouping for dinner to celebrate their last competition of the season. This trip was truly a memory that they will never forget. “From cheering at football games to performing at nationals…it’s such an amazing experience.”
The team gathers together for one final photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom.