Walton and Sims named captains of Vicksburg High ninth grade cheer team

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Kristyana Walton and Gabrielle Sims have been selected as captains of the Vicksburg High School ninth grade cheerleading team for the upcoming season. Walton will serve as head captain, while Sims has been named co-captain.

Both captains will compete under the leadership of head coach Aeriel Stokes.

Kristyana Walton

Kristyana Walton returns as head captain for a second consecutive season and said she is honored to continue leading the team.

“It is a great opportunity, and this is year two for me as head captain. I’m ready to see what my team can accomplish,” Walton said.

Walton, who has been cheering since she was young, said one of her biggest goals is to build strong relationships within the squad.

“My goal for us is to get closer, make memories and have fun while we cheer,” she said.

Walton also earned All-American honors at the UCA Cheer Camp this summer. She is the daughter of Keith Walton and Charlotte Atkins.

Gabrielle Sims

Gabrielle Sims will serve as the team’s co-captain after earning the leadership role through her work and dedication.

“I feel great, and this is my first year cheering since I was little with the Packers, but I had to try it because you never know what you can do,” Sims said.

Sims began cheering in elementary school with the Vicksburg Packers before joining the Vicksburg High program. She also earned All-American honors at UCA Cheer Camp this summer.

She is the daughter of Arcola Cox and Cedric Sims.