By Bryce McKinnis

Not much scares Madisyn McCann, but she admits last spring’s Westmoore High School cheer tryouts were nerve-wracking.

“What really motivated me to join the high school team this year was myself and my drive to be more involved with school,” McCann, a WHS senior, said.

McCann had several friends on the team who encouraged her to try out despite not having participated in cheer since middle school. She started taking private lessons one year ago in preparation for the big day. McCann began to second guess her decision when tryout packets were due, but she went through with it.

“I was extremely nervous on tryout day, but the other girls were so welcoming and supportive. I utilized my nerves to push myself harder and do my very best,” McCann said. “ I couldn’t have done it without my friends encouraging me to keep pushing and try out no matter the outcome. . . I obviously ended up trying out, and I’m so grateful that I did.”

School pride was a major factor in McCann’s choice to join cheer for her senior year.

“I chose cheer because I love encouraging my school’s other sports to do their best,” McCann said. “Performing with a team has always been something that I love. Stunting and dance is my favorite skill part of cheer.”

The experience, McCann says, has been “great.”

“I am having so much fun going to events, cheering at assemblies, and going to practices every day. We are currently working on our routine for regionals,” McCann said. “I hope my teammates remember me as a friendly face, a leader and someone they can always go to. I hope that I show by great example what a role model truly is.”

McCann is also involved in leadership, student council, class council and S.Q.U.A.D and enjoys spending free time with family and friends. After high school, McCann plans to pursue dentistry.