As the winter season begins to come to an end, many sports do too. Seniors in sports such as cheer, dance, basketball, wrestling, and so many others must move ahead in the next chapter of their lives. Senior cheerleader Mercedes Levesque is not exempt from this narrative, but she leaves with a plethora of stories to tell.

“I remember going to my older cousins’ games to watch her cheer in Nashville, and I was hooked from there! When I got into junior high, I knew I wanted to join the team, so I worked hard and made that dream a reality!”

Throughout her 7 year cheerleading career she achieved at Carterville, Mercedes has encountered highs and lows. She recalls her favorite moment being when, “We got 3rd at state my freshman year. The team that year was so close and getting to walk the podium my first time competing at state was an experience I will forever be grateful for!”

The Carterville High School cheer team has qualified for state, 10 consecutive years. Due to this, some pretty strong bonds have been formed and teamwork has made an incredible difference in the squad’s environment. Junior member, fellow all-state cheerleader, Charlotte Williams shared, “Mercedes is so kind and optimistic, which I have always admired about her. A leader that is willing to put others before themselves is rare and she fulfills that completely.”

As last words of wisdom, Levesque has a virtuous piece of advice for any future cheer members that come through the program, and that is to, “HAVE FUN! I always say Carterville Cheer is not like any other team, it’s a big commitment. So remember to find the good in every moment.”

Looking ahead, Mercedes plans to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale and study nursing. She “has a few visits with the cheer team there lined up and will be trying out in April.”