Grand Terrace High School Hosts Cheerleading Competition

GRAND TERRACE>> Grand Terrace High school held a cheerleading competition with Sharp International Biz for the first time in the City of Grand Terrace on Saturday, Jan. 22. Sharp International Biz is a cheerleading camp and competition circuit that provides thousands in scholarships and trophies to cheerleading teams internationally. Grand Terrace High Cheer squad and Song Squad were scheduled to compete and help host the event. The Grand Terrace High Song Squad took first place in the High School Division in the Sharp International Biz competition. In the Tumbling Division, Juliana Duran took first, Jessica Ungard took second and Alyssa Prieto took third place. Last but not least, Stunt Group was able to take first place. “It’s a big fundraising event for us,” said Gevina Parra, Grand Terrace High School’s Cheerleading and Song Squad coach. “The fundraising will help us to be able to afford our way to nationals and some equipment.” Outside of the event, Grand Terrace High School parents had set up booths selling food and beverages to the hungry competitors from all over. The dedicated parents had been there since 6 a.m. making sure everything was set up to help the girls earn money for their team while also competing. The cheer squad was scheduled to compete among the other cheer squads but after a few cheerleaders became injured, they were unable to compete. However, the newly-formed Song Squad was able to participate in the competition. “I (was) nervous about the competition because you never know who you’re up against,” said Faith Thronson, a sophomore in the Song Squad. “I’m also really excited because we get to perform and I get to compete with my team.” The Grand Terrace High School cheer squad was happy to support their fellow teammates and host the event according to Grand Terrace High School seniors and teammates Christa Torres and Kiana Douglas. “I like attending competitions but this is the first one we have hosted and it’s a different experience,” Douglas said. “We get a chance to be on the side that is helping with the competition and see how other cheer squads work; it’s a learning experience for us.”