Testimonial #1
My name is Cheri VanConant and I live in Lake Orion. I recently participated in a mentorship in order to become a competitive cheer judge.
I have always been a fan of cheerleading. My journey began when I was able to coach my daughter at the junior high level in sideline cheer. Then she began competitive cheer in high school and I became one of those fanatical parents sitting in the bleachers with noise makers, signs and plenty of loud chants. Once she graduated, I found myself missing going to the meets and watching her, so I would pick a random school and go there on a Saturday and just sit and watch the competitions all day long, even though I did not know a single soul in the whole gym! Then one day, I found myself watching the judges table and that was when I decided.....I want to be one of them!
I started searching on-line and found the MCJA website. That was how I found out about their training workshops. I was able to attend the November workshop in Grand Rapids. It was recommended that I attend the beginner sessions for Rounds 1, 2 and 3. Talk about feeling overwhelmed! I had no idea all of the elements that teams are judged on! But, boy did I learn ALOT! I returned home and really did not know where to start. I started communicating with Stacy Smith, the head of the mentor program. She put the word out that I needed a mentor and also encouraged me to start going to some competitions. I was lucky enough to be paired up with Laurie Bilkie-Snyder, an experienced cheer judge with a wealth of knowledge to offer. My first competition was an all-day Saturday event, I was so nervous but Laurie helped to ease my mind and I learned so much! Also at this same competiton I met Laurel Kobe, who invited me to another meet the next weekend. I have to say, seeing the competition from two different judges perspectives was very helpful. They both helped me in finding score sheets that would fit my style and gave me many helpful tips and pointers of what to watch for when judging. They answered all of my questions and helped me to feel more comfortable. I was able to spectate the district competition where Laurie was judging and also met up with her and Laurel in Grand Rapids for State Finals, where they continued to answer all of my questions. Talk about two fantastic people to have as mentors! I could not have asked for a better outcome!
For anyone thinking about cheer judging, I would highly encourage it. It has been an awesome experience for me. I continue to meet so many wonderful, kind people. I cannot thank them enough. I cannot wait for 2009-2010 season, because.....I LOVE CHEER!
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