Published: Saturday, March
08, 2008

Competitive cheerleading

Flivver senior awarded major
scholarship

Hannah Pyncheon

By
BURT ANGELI,Sports Editor

KINGSFORD
— A decision six years ago has led to a prestigious scholarship for Kingsford
High School cheerleader
Hannah Pyncheon.

The senior was selected from the entire state as one of only five scholarship
award winners from the Michigan Cheerleading Coaches Association. Each is
guaranteed at least $1,000 in scholarship money.

“For the past six years, cheerleading has taught me the importance of
leadership, sportsmanship, how to be a role model and the love of the
sport,” the daughter of Cheri and Dean Pyncheon
wrote in her essay to the scholarship committee. “Placing my name on
that sixth grade cheerleading sign-up sheet was the best decision I have ever
made.

“I have to thank my mom mainly for getting me involved in
cheerleading.”

Cheri Pyncheon started the Breitung Township middle school program.

Hannah Pyncheon was chosen as co-winner of the
Betty Buchner Scholarship worth $1,500. Kingsford
High School has
produced only four MCCA scholarship winners.

“Only Hannah was the very top winner,” said Flivver coach
Jacqueline Leiker. “Hannah is one of the
hardest workers I have ever coached.

“She is an amazing senior that we will miss very much next year.”

Pyncheon said “cheerleading has taught me to
be determined both on the mat and in the classroom.”

Knowing that not having the highest jumps, cleanest handspring or the best
motions could keep me from being on the competition mat gives me the will to
work my hardest,” she said. “At school, my determination shows
through my school work.

“I don’t like going to school knowing I should have studied more
or haven’t been working to my fullest potential.”

Being a role model for young girls is one of the best things that comes from being a cheerleader. Pyncheon
recalled a young girl remembering her from a clinic and game.

“She said I was really awesome,” Pyncheon
said. “As I ran away, tears swelled up in my eyes.

“I had never fully realized how closely those young girls watch you and
want to be just like you until that day.”

Cheerleading has opened many opportunities for the scholarship recipient.

“It has allowed me to become a leader, become more disciplined and have
the best memories I will never forget,” Pyncheon
said.

Kingsford, coached by Jacqueline Leiker, won the Great Northern Conference competitive
cheer championship.

The Flivvers and Hannah's teammates are
Breanna LeFebvre, Ashley Horwitz, Carissa Chartier,
Kendra Blomquist, Molly Lewellyn,
Jackie Paupore, Johnna Podnar, Jade Wickman, Dayna Pomeroy, Kaitlin Erkkila,
Elleda Groeneveld and
Nikki Bubloni,Amber
Miller, Paige Massicotte, Taylor McDonald and
Hayley Massicotte.