Get to Know the MBHS Cheerleading Team

Noa Gurvis, Staff Reporter

Though it may go unnoticed by many Millennium Brooklyn High School students, the MBHS cheerleading team means a lot to the girls who participate.

It is only one year old, but it has a strong group of 17 girls that pour their hearts into every practice. The team typically meets every Wednesday and Friday to practice. Each grade is represented on the team, but it remains an all-female group. The team does not compete, but performs at MBHS basketball games, Senior night, and Freshmen orientation.

The team was founded in 2013 by Courtney Bunn and Kiara Lee. The coach, Mrs. McElveen, oversees and assists with practices. She also ensures that the girls are “academically and emotionally stable,” which helps build trust and respect throughout the team.

As the team captain, Lee’s responsibilities are greater than learning and performing routines. “It’s my job to learn and teach new content to the team,” she says.

Her responsibilities include guaranteeing that the entire team knows the routine before they perform. She ensures that the team remains physically and mentally strong. Lee loves the passion and connection she gets from being on a team. Though they are a cheer-focused group, the girls bond with each other outside the boundaries of being a team.

However, it is not always easy to be a student leader. Lee pushes herself to stay ahead of the game; “coming up with ideas, making mistakes, [and] changing the material” are just some responsibilities that Lee must keep up with.

“The most important part of being on a team is remembering that you’re…going through the same challenges,” says Lee. “Some of us […] struggle with anxiety and performing” but can still perform exceptionally because of the team’s connection.

As for the future, Lee said “the team is in great hands” and “will exceed far beyond” their current level.

Senior Courtney Bunn enjoys “working together” with her teammates. She knows the team will change next year, but “the things [they] leave behind” will make the team stronger in the future.

Senior Kristina Rodriguez, joined the team when it began and is still a dedicated member. She values “being[…] part of a team,” and loves “the adrenaline rush” she gets from performing.

The team will inevitably be different once this year’s seniors graduate. Rodriguez hopes that the team will eventually compete, once “a good foundation has been built.” This may take a lot of work, but Rodriguez has faith that the team will succeed.