Bishop Amat High School - Tusitala Yearbook (La Puente, CA)

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To fans who watched the cheer- leaders chant at the top of their lungs during games, it may have seemed easy. But what fans didn't realize was that hours of practice were required to per- form cheers so precisely. Junior Janine Ochotorena, member of the squad, ex- claimed, The most frustrating thing about being in cheerleading was that we always had to be on hand. There were often last minute changes of places, days, and games. Practice lasted everyday after school until 4:00 p.m. Long after most students went home to begin their homework, the cheerleaders were perfecting their routines to make each more precise. During the summer, the girls attended Sharp All-American Camp, where they took second place in competition and evaluation. Often times it was difficult to work up enough energy to practice the same cheer over and over again. Time was cut short due to after school practices, cheering at games, and getting home- work completed. Thus, their social ac- tivities had to be minimized in order for them to be truly dedicated. However, as leaders on campus, Varsity Cheer- leaders displayed school spirit by mak- ing posters and banners, organizing ral- lies, and selling ribbons. Since the squad spent so much time 1 Varsity Cheer Qbottom to topy Janine Ochotorena, Nicole Sullivan, captaing Claire McCallion, Wendy Phillips, Patricia Guzman. captaing Adriana Villalo- bos, Robyn Romyn, Jason Borens, Caprice Bourret, Cathy Lemelle, and Annette Sanchez. 194 Organizations ' J, -fe, R I Varsliy Cheerleaders Promote A hole Lotta Hoopla together practicing and performing, a natural comradeship developed be- tween them. The girls along with junior Jason Borens not only shared the ex- citement of cheering at games, but also gave each other support during stressful times before competition. Senior Nicole Sullivan, expressed the memories of friendship for the squad, We have no problems because everyone gets along really well. The nights before competi- tion we stay at someone's house and talk and laugh all night. I love cheering at games, especially when we win! For a squad to perform so well and stick together, they had to have great leaders. Mrs. Susan Marquez, modera- tor, who was also a cheerleader during her high school days at Bishop Amat, was a dedicated friend as well as consul- tant. She always had suggestions and ideas which benefitted the squad. Sen- iors Patti Guzman and Nicole Sullivan, who were both the captains, combined their talents to choreograph routines that best complemented the squads athletic ability. Pep rallies gave Varsity Cheerleaders the opportunity to per- form in front of the entire student body and at the same time, gave students a chance to express their school spirit through their participation in the cheers.

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nior Stephanie Breen shows no difficulty per- rming on a chair. Practice made it possible to tain such balance and fluidity. inior Wendy Ham, co-captain, manages to keep vibrant smile while dancing during a football me. Peforming was the culmination of all the uad's hard work. Senior Michelle Guerra, captain, uses her energy to stir up school spirit during Pep Week. It was sometimes difficult to get everyone in the mood to participate in the cheers. if 5 I I K l W E 5 5 .E 2 H .. iffif Junior Michelle Torrico drums up crowd partici- pation. It was one of the Song Squad's main functions to achieve school spirit, enthusiasm, and support. Angels warn Junior Yvonne Nichols to watch out for a St. Paul student, played by Junior Jason Borens. The Song Squad worked hard to put the humorous skits together. Varsity Song 193

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Junior Wendy Phillips places her hand over her heart during the pledge of allegiance. The cheer- leaders showed discipline in their stance and per- formances. f-i.,i..- . Looking on hopefully, junior Annette Sanchez waits for the play on the field. During games cheerleaders devoted all their time and energy to get the team rallied for a win. Dressed as a devil for a skit, junior Stephanie Breen causes senior Patty Guzman and Annette Sanchez to share a laugh together. This rally helped promote spirit among the students as well as the team. 5 X t -X. if -...MQW lffllis. nior Claire McCaIlion and junior Adriana Villalo- s share a quick hug. This squad became a nily during the year when they had to work ig hours together. e pep squad members form a train of enthu- ism and energy. This was one of the many sys the cheerleaders promoted school spirit. Junior Caprice Bourret concentrates hard as she paints a sign for the athletic teams. This was just one of the tasks undertaken by cheerleaders to help create school spirit. Varsity Cheer 195