Original content written by Aaron Frank of Highland Prep Academies and shared with AZPreps365.com

For the first time ever, all three Highland Prep Academy Schools put together the First Annual Highland Prep Cheer Classic. The teams competing in the event were Madison Highland Prep (Heat), Highland Prep Surprise (Honey Badgers) and Highland Prep West (Hornets).

Venturing into the realm of cheer competition, all three schools had an opportunity to show off their skills that they have been practicing diligently. When asking head coach of Highland Prep West, Sierra Logsdon, how she felt about being a part of the first annual, “I feel honored because I am the first cheer coach at Highland Prep West and starting new traditions that provide opportunities for future generations of teams here at Highland Prep West to get better every year. I am so proud to show off all the hard work that the cheerleaders have put into their routine.”

Highland Prep West hosted the event in their gym in Avondale. This first Highland Prep Academy Cheer Classic on November 1st and the gym was packed with family and students. The host school, Highland Prep West, went first, setting the standard with a great performance. The second team to go was Madison Highland Prep Heat coached by Aleeyah Pittman.

“(We) had some mishaps before the event, but made some changes before going into our routine. We have some things that we need to tighten up before we get ready for more competitions in November,” Pittman said about their performance.

Pittman is in her first year of coaching cheer at Madison Highland Prep, but she is already making great strides to up the program as seen by their performance in the Cheer Classic. 

Finishing off the event, was Coach Jateria Murray and the Highland Prep Surprise Honey Badgers. They say you leave the best for last, and there is no doubt that the Honey Badgers brought the spirit. Highland Prep Surprise turned in a great routine and the judges agreed. Highland Prep Surprise took the win and the first annual trophy at the Highland Prep Academy Cheer Classic.

Murray was asked what to expect from their group in future competitions and she said, “Basketball season is up baby!” Murray in her first official year as the Honey Badgers head coach has brought excitement to the team and has the team running on all cylinders. 

“Highland Prep Academy Schools hit the ball of the park on this one," said AIA Spiritline coordinator Emily Stephens. "The more opportunities teams can perform their competition routine before they take the floor at the state championship is such a significant part of the cheer team’s preparation, but it’s not always easy to replicate that environment. Highland Prep Academy and Mr. (Aaron) Frank went above and beyond in not only creating that opportunity, but also showed the payoff of collaboration and administrative support. Spirit teams are always there to support athletics and when it is reciprocated, everyone wins!”

The event was the first time all three sister schools have competed directly against each other, but the comradery and love they have for each other was apparent. Even after the announcement of the trophy, the girls rallied together with a cheer of “we are proud of you” to congratulate Highland Prep Surprise on the first ever win of the Cheer Classic. With over 100 fans in attendance, this event is sure to get better every year.