Pittsburg High School - Pirate Yearbook (Pittsburg, CA)

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Members Found Class Helpful T A new dance class became mandatory for all 1987-88 Spirit Squads. This guided the cheerleaders to become much more professional and united. This is so because... Members Found Class Helpful Spirit Squads needed a choreographer to enhance their performances. As a result, Ms. Rose Shideler ac- cepted the position. During first semester, fourth period, the squads met in the 'Little Theater to improve their coordination and dance skills to famous music from A Chorus Line. Special warm- ups, such as ballet, and routines to Sweat were some of the many dances taught to make sure body movement flowed through the routines. Towards the end of the period the cheerleaders and songleaders would practice and then Ms. Shideler would help individuals and groups to improve their routine. This helped a lot, commented Lynn Herren. Heather Carn- duff also noted, We needed an advisor for a long time and at first there were a lot of conflicts. The squads were used to doing things on their own, and that's where l think the problem started. Ms. Shideler added, l certainly agree that there were con- flicts, but these girls are a talented group of individuals and their level of perfor- mance shows improvement each time they go out there. Ms. Shideler was chosen to become choreographer because of her past ex- perience. lt all started when a former student was the runner-up in the Miss Black jazz contest and listed Shideler as the choreographer. This gave her an introduction to profes- sional dance. She has also been involved with the Veneer Incorporated Perfor- mance groups and sold several arrangements that have appeared on television. Despite conflicts between the squads and their advisor, things seem to settle down as the season progressed. - Colleen Flannery and Christine Puccio 141

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Screams, yells, claps, chants were all a part of the varsity squad as they got up out of their seats and were Jammin to the Pirate 's Beat Each year, the cheerleaders accomplished many outstanding competi- tions throughout the year. Each season, everyone talks about what they do for every one else. Cheerleaders are not slaves nor banquet servers but they are very im- portant people and should be recognized!!! Yvonne Beals stated emphatically. This year's varsity squad won four superior ribbons, the spirit stick, the unity award, and other certificates showing they had many uni- que talents at cheerleading camp. Besides ,showing all the awards they won, it's easy to see that the varsity cheerleaders dealt with a lot of pressures too. When try-outs were held on April 29, 1987, many girls on stage thought that being on a squad meant fame, glory and guys, but many who made it thought twice about trying out again. The football players com- plained they don't need us, talked about our short skirts and our attitudes, but I don't care, we're not there for just the football players or to show off but to help create spirit for our school, Myrna Mercado stated. With help from their new advisor, Mrs. Rose Shidler, the squad found it easier to take care of gripes or solve problems. They also became organized in getting things done. The cheerleaders spent many long hours practicing or feeding the players but lucki- ly they found time for homework. None of them were ineligible throughout the season. This year's squad put up with a lot of flack and hope next year they might get more recognition, such as getting more attention at social events. Kristina Cahoon stressed, You shouldn't try out if you're not willing to make yourself available all the time because many who try out think it's a popularity con- tents and it's nothing like that at all. - Chrissy Puccio 142 Myrna Mercado and Kristina Cahoon do the square dance rap routine at th Devils Say Your Prayers rally. l pl 'sara ' i T ' ' :xg is I . ,, 4 ,A K Varsity Cheerleaders: Chrissy Puccio, Cahoon, Heather Carnduff. N Yvonne Beals, Lisa Salvetti, Terri tured: Marla Littlejohn. Bostick, Myrna Mercado, Kristina Yvonne Beals watches the game with much excitement. 1 lammin to the Pirate's Beat ot Pia