Winning state felt so nice, Destrehan did it twice.
The Destrehan cheerleading squad successfully defended its Louisiana state championship at the SCA Battle at the Capitol, taking first place in the High School Coed Cheer Performance division.
In addition to that, Destrehan earned a high honor in the form of the Go Be Great award, a distinction earned by just four teams in the competition. Go Be Great recognizes teams who go above and beyond, Destrehan earning the nod their exceptional commitment to community service following Hurricane Ida. DHS also placed fifth at the NCA High School Nationals in the Small Varsity Performance category.
“There was no guarantee we’d be able to compete this year, given Ida, but the kids said this is what we want to do,” said DHS cheer coach Marcey Scott. “And they were committed to putting forth all of the effort to accomplish our goals for ourselves.”
The top five finish at the national competition was also a strong statement, considering it was only the second time the team has gone to that competition.
“The fact they already placed top five, it says a lot about their skill level,” Scott said.
Many of the cheerleaders are still not back in their homes following Ida, with some living with other team members.
“They really gave up their weekends to come and practice,” said Scott. “They were hit with the storm. We were missing team members throughout the year and had to adjust – we were re-doing formations even the week of nationals. They never complained. They stepped up to do what was being asked of them.”
Scott said the thing she’s proudest of, though, is the Go Be Great award – and she said she’s not alone in that.
“They told me that means more to them than where we placed (in competition),” Scott said.
The team volunteered at different supply and food drives, and also lent their support to the Trunk or Treat event at Halloween.
They also rallied around their own. Following the tragic February passing of Wanda Schiff, the mother of Destrehan cheerleader Abigail Schiff, the team raised close to $11,000 for the family to help with costs.
“It makes me prouder than they’ll probably ever know,” said Scott. “You hope as a coach that you’re not just helping someone become a good cheerleader, but that they become wonderful human beings with big hearts. And this shows so much about them.”
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