Ardmoreite staff
It’s safe to say cheerleaders spend countless hours working on routines to showcase at games and other events. That dedication doesn’t go unnoticed as the 2024-25 All-Ardmoreite cheer team recognizes area girls for their accomplishments.
ARDMORE
There is one Lady Tiger on the squad in Elizabeth Willoughby.
The senior has cheered at Ardmore for two years and is currently a captain.
“Liz has a great relationship with her teammates and is always willing to help me any way she can,” said Lady Tigers head coach Elizabeth Savage. “She is currently attending Southern Tech, where she is working on her cosmetology license and is working in the field. This will enable her to work while she attends college at Rose State, where she has applied to the PLC program.”
DICKSON
A trio of Lady Comets are honored as seniors – Allison Ingle, Mahala Smith and Paige Smith.
Ingle is Student Council President, while being involved with FCCLA, National Honor Society and the yearbook staff.
“Allison is a great all-around student and has shown real leadership ability in her role as captain,” said Dickson head coach Rene Kozar.
Meanwhile, Mahala Smith also participates in track for the Lady Comets and received the outstanding Junior Cheerleader award a year ago.
“Mahala has done a great job as cheer captain and shown her leadership abilities,” Kozar said. “She brings a positive attitude to the squad.”
Paige Smith rounds out the group and she is a member of student council and national honor society. She participates in powerlifting and track and field.
“Paige also attends Southern Tech and is in the CNA program,” Kozar said. “Paige has shown tremendous leadership skills in her role as cheer captain.
LONE GROVE
The Lady Horns have four honorees as head coach Bailey Atencio nominated seniors Ava Hale, Aubrielle Kretzschmar, Presley Newton and Raigan Ward.
Atencio gave reasons why each young lady is deserving:
“Ava is a wonderful teammate and has outstanding work ethic. She is always striving to be the best she can be for herself as an athlete and for her team.”
“Aubrielle is an outstanding cheerleader and teammate. She is someone that the whole team looks up to. She is an amazing asset to our team.”
“Presley brings the best energy to our team. She is always looking to add positivity to our games and practices. She is an outstanding cheerleader and will be greatly missed.”
“Raigan exudes wonderful leaderships skills and is always willing to help those around her.”
PLAINVIEW
There is just one Lady Indian selected to this year’s squad in senior Emma Ritter.
“Emma goes above and beyond in everything that she sets her mind to,” said Plainview head coach Kaitlyn Martin. “Though she had a bit of a health scare during football season, she has persevered and come back with even more optimism and love for her team.”
RINGLING
A pair of Lady Blue Devils were recognized in seniors Madisson VanBuskirk and Mikenli Southward.
Ringling head coach Britany Taylor briefly spoke about the duo.
“Madisson is my cheer captain and is involved in many extra-curricular activities,” Taylor said. “Despite being very involved, she also keeps her grades up academically.”
“Mikenli is a great athlete and spirit leader,” Taylor said. “She is involved in many school activities and keeps her grades at above-level achievement scores.”
WILSON
The Lady Eagles have one selection in junior Baylor Tibbs.
“Baylor is an outstanding cheerleader – she always has a smile on her face and is such a great role model for our young students,” said Wilson head coach Tori Taylor. “Baylor isn’t just one of our top cheerleaders, but also a top student at Wilson High School. Baylor also does an internship with Ms. Megan’s Pre-K class every day and I couldn’t be more proud to have such an outstanding young women on our cheer team.”
MADILL
A group of six Lady Wildcats are honored and all are upperclassmen – Logan Rushing, Addyson Miller, Tatum Barnes, Emma Roberts, Himani Patel and Emma Edwards.
Madill head coach Shanda Burnett had plenty to say about the group.
Rushing has cheered with the Lady Wildcats since fourth grade and is a co-captain as a senior.
“Logan is a shining example of ‘We Before Me,’” Burnett said. “Even to the point of delaying a surgery and fighting through pain to ensure our squad was ready for competition last year.”
Meanwhile, Miller has also cheered since fourth grade and is the other co-captain during her senior year.
“Addyson is this year’s STUCO president, allowing her to use her amazing leadership skills to better our school and community,” Burnett said. “Her leadership abilities over the past four years have helped to strengthen our squad and its ability to impact those around us.”
Barnes is next and Burnett describes the junior as a “silent leader and a quiet presence of peace that every good squad needs to help maintain a positive environment.”
That’s not all though.
“Tatum is the one who can tell when others need an encouraging word, a hug, or a shoulder to lean on,” Burnett said. “She does not realize the impact she has on those around her, that her compassion and smile are a quiet help to those in need.”
Roberts, a junior, has earned All-American honors every year at NCA camp.
“Emma is a core member of our squad,” Burnett said. “Her next-level energy keeps everyone around her motivated. She continues to work to improve herself, which encourages other squad members to do the same.”
Patel, meanwhile, has “blossomed” over the past three years.
“When she started as a freshman, you could see the fear in her eyes every time she was put up in a stunt,” Burnett said. “Now, she gets up with the greatest of confidence and is always wanting to try new stunts. Her enthusiasm to push through and conquer new things is contagious and has helped improve our whole squad’s stunting abilities.”
Edwards rounds out the honorees and has shown growth as a junior.
“Emma’s first year on the squad she was timid, however, she has spent the last two years coming out of her shell and finding her full potential,” Burnett said. “She now has the most confident smile and attitude, which spreads confidence to others. Her cheerleading skills and performance style are phenomenal.”
HEALDTON
A pack of Lady Bulldogs are the final selections and include seniors Angelina Powell, Allie Pickelsimer, Lexi Carroll and Lillith Terry.
Healdton head coach Robin Needham provided reasons why the group is deserving.
Powell has been named an All-American cheerleader for four years.
“In all of my dealings with Angelina, she is a young woman of character, intelligence and talent,” Needham said. “Angelina is continually displaying the leadership and work ethic that every coach hopes for from her cheerleaders. … She works tirelessly at making signs, decorating lockers, buying candy and creating new spirit ideas for our school.”
Pickelsimer has a storied history with the Lady Bulldogs as she’s cheered her entire high school career and three years in junior high.
“Allie perseveres when times are hard and can always be seen with a smile on her face no matter what battle she is fighting,” Needham said. “Allie’s passion for cheerleading extends beyond the sports arena. She truly embodies the spirit of school pride and community involvement. Whether it’s leading the crowd at football and basketball games, cheering on her peers, or supporting community events, Allie is always at the forefront, representing her school with enthusiasm and heart.”
Meanwhile, Carroll is not only a cheerleader, but also serves as Healdton’s Drum Major.
“Lexi’s talent, dedication, and leadership truly set her apart, making her a standout candidate for this recognition,” Needham said. “Lexi exemplifies what it means to be a role model in every sense. As a dedicated cheerleader and the Drum Major for her high school band, she continually inspires her peers with her commitment, positive attitude and work ethic.”
Terry is the final honoree and she’s shown dedication as a cheerleader and member of Healdton’s band since middle school.
“I have known Lillith since she was a baby – I have seen her grow into a beautiful, smart young lady,” Needham said. “I have been her teacher and coach for seven years. I have seen a shy, quiet young lady grow into a strong, spirited leader.”
Terry also displayed determination during a difficult time.
“… She broke her finger in a stunt and continued as if nothing happened until our routine was done,” Needham said. “This shows that she always puts the squad first.”
