FAIRVIEW, Ala. — Fairview senior cheerleader Lona Latham cheered for a combined 10 years between high school and her time at the Cullman Gymnastics and Cheer Academy (CGCA) and in this interview she shared some of her favorite memories cheering alongside her friends.
“My favorite part of cheerleading is the thrill of competing against other great squads. I also enjoyed getting to be a part of the amazing atmosphere at the pep rallies before the games,” Latham said. “Over my years of cheerleading, I’ve had several encouraging teammates that made a positive impact on my cheerleading career, one of those being my most recent cheer captain, Cassie Davis. She had a positive attitude, always encouraged me, and made me feel welcome.”
Lona talked about her favorite cheer competition she participated in and she even got to reunite with some of her fellow cheerleaders from CGCA.
“The county competition was my favorite, because I got to see and compete against several amazing girls that I cheered with at CGCA on the Xtreme All-Stars squad. It was bittersweet, because I love all of my girls, even though we no longer cheer together. They’re great athletes and those years being a part of the Xtreme All-Stars squad with them were some of my most favorite years in the sport. They, along with my coach, helped shape who I am as a cheerleader.” Latham said.
She learned so much from all her coaches during her cheer career and she will deeply miss cheering on the sidelines next season.
“Coaches are a huge asset for a cheerleader. They not only teach the skills needed for improving their abilities, but they also teach skills such as work ethic, positive morals, and teamwork. I was fortunate to have the coaches that I had. Besides the physical part of cheer, they taught me to have a higher confidence in myself, because I can do anything I put my mind to,” she said. “I will miss the overall sport in general. I’ve cheered my own life, and I loved pushing myself to be the best version of myself that I could be.”
Lona’s faith has always been a big part of her life, and she believes it helped her excel on the sidelines as well.
“God played a significant role in my cheer career. I believe my faith helped me push through the tough moments and be thankful for the opportunities. Through God, I find my strength and purpose, and I know as long as I keep Him first in my life, He will see me through. Matthew 19:26 says, ‘But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God, all things are possible,'” she said. “God plays a very important role in my everyday life. Without Him, I am nothing and have nothing. He guides me daily through His word,” she said. “Me and my fellow cheerleaders always prayed before competitions and for each other. One thing that really sticks out to me is when we have a tragedy with a member of the community, the whole high school came together on the front lawn to pray for the family.”
Lona had a great time participating in Key Club for her final two years of high school and she gave some advice to students who will be starting high school in August.
“My favorite Key Club memories were when we helped at the special needs rodeo. I loved this, because I loved seeing all of the kids enjoy the rodeo and making amazing memories with my fellow Key Club members,” she said. “My advice to upcoming high schoolers is to simply be yourself, be outgoing, and enjoy it. Make the most of your high school experience, because it will be over before you know it.”
She shared her favorite Bible verse and loved being a role model for all the younger girls that were watching her cheer.
“Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.’ This verse means a lot to me, because it reminds me that no matter what I go through in life, God will take care of me and get me through it as long as I lean on Him and His word,” she said. “I would like to be remembered as someone that was helpful to others. It was very important for me to set a good example for the young girls that were watching me cheer.”
Fairview will always hold a special place in Lona’s heart, and she will remember and miss so many things about being an Aggie.
“At Fairview, it feels like one big family. Everyone knew each other,” she said. “The most memorable thing to me is getting to create amazing bonds with my other peers, and I think that seeing my friends on a daily basis will be what I will miss about going to Fairview. Stephanie Acklin has been one of my very best friends since second grade. We have made a lot of great memories growing up at Fairview together. I was blessed to have been able to be taught by my grandmother, Denise Latham. She has always been a big part of my life, so being taught by her was a wonderful experience.”
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