What’s recently happened?
Boone Grove High School just attended and hosted the Porter County Conference (PCC). PCC is an event showcasing the talent of eight high schools in Boys and Girls Basketball, cheer, and dance.
This year, the competition was held on Wednesday, January 17, and Boone’s cheer and dance team excelled, winning three awards.
They each perform one routine, and every school’s team chooses a theme.
“Our theme this year was ‘All Hail the Royal Kingdom.’ There are 17 people on the cheer team, nine people on the dance team, and five who crossover to do both,” said Mackayla Leblanc, a member of the cheer team.
After all the labor and commitment the girls put in together as a team, it was extremely rewarding to place first in both routines.
Additionally, Boone received a Spirit Award, which includes a combination of cheer, dance, and block points. Block points are awarded based on factors like the school’s student section, decorations, and props.
“It basically encourages and involves everybody in the community to come and cheer on the team,” said Leblanc.
What’s coming up?
Boone’s choir is gearing up for an upcoming Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition. ISSMA is an event that schools from all over Indiana participate in. This event is statewide, and it features choirs performing ensembles and solos chosen from a prescribed list.
Boone recently had its district performance at Valparaiso High School, and the state competition is scheduled for February 17 at Perry Meridian High School.
“We did really well at district, so I’m super excited to take it to state. It’s such a fun experience, both performing and being with friends,” said Elyse Bowman, a sophomore choir member.
Boone has eight ensembles and 11 solos prepared for the approaching occasion.
While the schools aren’t in direct competition with each other, they are ranked individually based on their performances.
“Based on your score, you can get gold, silver, bronze, or participation. Nine is the best you can score. The lower the number, the higher the rank,” said Ella Wilson, a sophomore choir member.
Boone wishes success to the choir at ISSMA this year!
Staff spotlight:
Lori Jones is the Wolves Varsity Cheer Head Coach. She’s been at Boone for her whole life, attending from kindergarten through graduation. Jones began her coaching journey at Boone Grove Middle School in 2012, and she progressed to varsity in 2017.
While she never imagined herself as a cheer coach, she finds immense fulfillment in her job.
“Cheer was my sport in high school and remained a continued passion for me. Although it wasn’t my plan, it makes sense, and I love it,” said Jones.
Jones believes that the best part of coaching the team is not just winning but the camaraderie and family that form during it.
“It’s the memories of laughter and bonding, watching countless athletes grow in skill and form throughout their cheer years. It’s getting to know these athletes as people. It’s more than you can even put words to,” said Jones.
Unfortunately, the greatest obstacle she faces is one that comes with the sport itself.
“Despite cheer being recognized as a sport in 2021 by the International Olympic Committee, it is still a struggle to be seen as a sport within the school setting,” said Jones.
While cheer started off as entertainment for fans, it has evolved into an intense sport that requires skill and dedication, a fact that some athletes still don’t acknowledge.
Despite this, Jones remains committed to making sure her athletes know how phenomenal they all are throughout it all.
What’s even more amazing is that during all of this, Jones is also a mom of four and juggles multiple jobs.
“I’m a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing and have a developmental pre-kindergarten class for Michigan City Area Schools, an associate broker with Century 21 Circle in Valparaiso, and this year I have taken on coaching the Porter County Special Olympics cheer team. I keep myself crazy busy, I suppose,” said Jones.
Jones’s devotion to coaching shows in the continual growth, success, and happiness of her team.
Student spotlight:
Mackayla Leblanc is currently a junior at Boone. She’s been there her whole life and, throughout the years, has involved herself in an abundance of activities.
Leblanc participates in numerous extracurriculars including choir, student council, Key Club, Fine Arts academic team, and National Honor Society. Recently, cheerleading has taken priority in her life.
She’s been in cheer since she was 5 years old, and she has been on the high school team since her freshman year.
Now in her third year, what makes Leblanc even more impressive is that during PCC season, she also joins the dance team.
“We were given the option to cross over to dance, and for dance to cross over to cheer. This is my second year doing both,” said Leblanc.
Because Leblanc is dedicated to everything she does, being in both cheer and dance during PCC is always a challenge.
“The hardest part is finding time for school work while also trying to put in your all to win. You’re tired, hungry, and stressed. In the end, you just have to hope it’s all worth it,” said Leblanc.
Luckily, all the hard work she and her team put in did not go unrecognized. Her favorite memory this year is winning PCC cheer, dance, and spirit.
“It was so awesome taking home three out of the four awards. I just hope that it finally represents how important cheer and dance teams are to schools,” said Leblanc.
Leblanc hopes to have another successful season next year and is striving to take home that fourth award, but no matter what happens next, she is extremely proud of her team for what they have accomplished so far.
“My biggest goal is to live more in the moment and not take anything for granted,” said Leblanc.