Woodrow Wilson High School cheerleaders after winning the regional United Cheer Association competition on Dec. 5. (Photo from Facebook)
The cheerleaders of Woodrow Wilson High School achieved heights never before reached by a DISD school this year when they earned a bid to the United Cheer Association’s national competition on Dec. 5, based on their stellar performance in the regional competition (check out the video).
Held in February, the East Dallas squad will get the chance to compete against the best cheerleaders at Disney Word in what is largely considered as the most competitive cheerleading event in the country. But that’s only if they can raise bough funds for their trip to Florida.
The Wildcat Cheerleaders are seeking $18,000 to cover the cost of airfare, hotel and registration fees for the competition.
“The team is made up of hardworking, dedicated, cheerleaders from both Varsity and Junior Varsity squads under the direction of Coach Aaronia Ferguson,” they wrote on their GoFundMe page, where they are collecting donations. “These girls have dedicated every day, since making the squad in March of 2015, in hopes of achieving this goal.”
As of Dec. 22, they had raised $1,605 toward their goal. Because cheerleading is still in the process of being recognized by the University Interscholastic League, the sport does not receive funding from the Woodrow or the school’s booster clubs, the team says. That means fundraising is the only way they can participate in this athletic challenge.
