Dallas ISD students take the lead at cheer camp

This summer, high school cheerleaders from across Dallas ISD gathered for cheer camp, a multi-day event focused on team building, skill development, and leadership.

For Gema G., a rising senior at Moisés E. Molina High School, the camp comes at a pivotal moment as she prepares to take on her new role as varsity cheer captain. After transitioning from cross-country to cheerleading her sophomore year, Gema said the sport has helped her grow more confident and connected.

“Coming from being a girl who was feeling unnoticed, to my senior year, I feel unstoppable,” she said.

Her advice to cheerleaders starting out in the new school year is to be fearless and persevere.

“I would say don't be scared, and just because someone else can do something better than you doesn't mean you can't do it. You can do everything you set your mind to, ” she said.

Landry T., a senior and varsity captain at Hillcrest High School, joined camp to connect with new teammates and pass on lessons learned since freshman year.

“I thought camp would be a fun way to bond with all of our new cheerleaders and learn new stunts and skills,” she said. “We've done a lot of team bonding that I've picked up on, and I'm hoping to carry that out into my senior year as captain to make sure we're all close because I think that's really important as a team.”

From morning warm ups and group dances to team activities, like meaningful bead bracelets, the camp offered a blend of training and unity. As both captains step into their leadership roles this school year, they’ll carry the confidence and connections built at Summer Breeze with them.

“Camp has definitely helped me grow as a teammate because I was in an individual sport, not a team sport, so it put my communication skills in better use and my ability to understand other people,” Landry said.