Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 7 · column 1 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
By Bonnie Pullin Special to the Rappahannock News
On Monday, Nov. 1, the Rappahannock County High School 2004 Competition Squad loaded a bus headed for Strasburg, Va., to compete in the 2004 Bull Run District Cheer Competition, And what a night is was for them!
Since August, they have worked numerous hours to perfect their routine. During their season, this year in particular, ’ they were faced with many unforeseen obstacles they would have to overcome with injuries and grades being just a couple of the factors.
Just when you would think most would throw the towel in, I watched this team form their customary circle, hold hands and close their eyes. As I looked from face to face, I saw a determination like I’ve never seen before. You could almost feel the bond forming stronger than ever and the excitement in their eyes when they raised their heads. I knew at that moment they would jump any hurdle that was place before them.
No one was going to stop what these young men and women live to do at this point in their life, and that is to compete. Right before going onto the mats, I often yell to them, “It’s show time,” and what a show they put on!
All I could do was smile and wonder where the strength came from given the “clouds” that had been over their heads for the last several weeks of practice. Everything these young men and women had been through almost made you think something wanted them to fail. Only the opposite happened, they rose above, pulled together, and I honestly believe it made them stronger.
Every year we come up with a motto that we carry with us throughout the season. This year we had two. The first comes from one of our teammates who was ipjured the night before they were to compete at Kings Dominion in an earlier competition.
David Clement gave us this motto, and it was to “Remain Calm," which we had to tell ourselves over and over again. The second is one that comes from my heart to these young people, and that is “1 Believe.” Not only did they understand that I believe in them, but more importantly they believed in themselves and each other.
Prior to the announcement
86.0%