As the 25-26 school year continues to progress, many seniors begin to reflect on their high school experience. From extracurricular activities to classes they have taken, their minds take on a plethora of nostalgic memories. Cheerleader Charlotte Williams has been a member of the cheer program for seven years, and has experienced many new things because of it.
“I don’t have a memory that is specifically my favorite, but the bus rides home from games and competitions will be one of the biggest things I will miss when I graduate. The conversations, joking around, and singing along to our favorite songs gave my teammates and I the chance to have simple fun,” Williams said.
Williams’ presence has impacted current and future cheerleaders as well. “Charlotte is very inspiring and helpful. If you are struggling with anything she is always there, and is one of the most encouraging people I know,” freshmen Lily Helminski said.
To help end her senior season with a bang, this year, cheer and dance have the chance to collaborate at every home football and basketball game and perform “Thunderstruck”, even adding the iconic kick line at the end. “The combined Thunderstruck routine between cheer and dance is one of my favorite parts of a home football game day. The crowd loves it, it’s so much fun to do, and something unique to our school,” Williams said.
While in the program, Williams has had an abundance of accomplishments. From being to state every year of high school, to placing 5th or higher all of those years, her days of cheering will be long remembered by CHS. Furthermore, she is an all state cheerleader.
She didn’t reach these milestones alone, however. Williams said that her parents have been her biggest motivators through it all. “When I think I’m giving 100%, they know I can do 110. They’re always pushing me to be better than I was the day before in every aspect: athletics, faith, and academics. Every day they make sure I know they love me and that they’re proud of me. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”
Williams doesn’t plan to stop working towards creating new goals now, either. She has dreams of working in the medical field and wants to attend college on “the pre-med track. I’m not completely certain what university I’d like to attend, or exactly what profession I would like to pursue, but I know the Good Lord has a plan. Gods always placed it on my heart that I was made to help others, and I aspire to do just that through medicine!”
Competition season has yet to start, but Charlotte and all of the other cheer members are excited to see where this season will lead them. Carterville is sure that the team will make them proud, just like they always have!
