Alcorn hosts Middle and High School Cheer Camp

Story from Alcorn Athletics:
LORMAN, Miss. (VDN) — Alcorn Cheerleading proudly concluded its 2026 Middle & High School Summer Cheer Camp, held June 29 through July 2, on the campus of Alcorn State University. Centered around the theme, “Lights, Camera, Cheer! Every Performance Tells a Story,” the four-day camp provided middle and high school cheerleaders with an engaging and challenging collegiate cheer experience designed to strengthen fundamentals, develop advanced skills, and inspire leadership at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
 
This year’s camp welcomed cheer athletes from eight schools across Mississippi and Louisiana:

• Jefferson County Middle School – Fayette, Mississippi
• Natchez Middle School – Natchez, Mississippi
• Amite County High School – Liberty, Mississippi
• Madison High School – Tallulah, Louisiana
• Wilkinson County High School – Woodville, Mississippi
• Heidelberg High School – Heidelberg, Mississippi
• Canton High School – Canton, Mississippi
• General Trass High School – Lake Providence, Louisiana

 
Throughout the week, campers immersed themselves in a progressive curriculum that emphasized proper technique, teamwork, confidence, leadership, and sportsmanship while experiencing the culture and traditions of collegiate cheerleading.
 
“This camp was about so much more than learning cheers, stunts, and dances,” said Alcorn Cheer Head Coach Dr. Timothy D. Queen. “Our goal was to develop confident leaders, disciplined athletes, and young people who understand the value of teamwork, commitment, and character. Watching these campers grow from the first day to Showcase Day was truly inspiring.”
 
 
The camp opened with an energetic welcome from Dr. Queen, the coaching staff, and members of the Alcorn Cheerleading Program.
 
Campers participated in an intensive fundamentals clinic focusing on motion technique, jump mechanics, crowd-leading skills, and overall performance quality. Athletes also learned the official camp cheer, camp chant, and camp dance that would be showcased at the conclusion of camp.
 
The first day established the foundation for success by emphasizing precision, discipline, confidence, and enthusiasm – qualities that define the Alcorn Cheerleading Program.
 
Building upon the fundamentals introduced on opening day, campers advanced into stunt fundamentals and tumbling instruction.
 
“I am incredibly proud of our Alcorn cheerleaders for serving as outstanding mentors and role models throughout the week,” continued Dr. Queen. “I also want to thank every coach, parent, and school that entrusted us with their athletes. The selection of our inaugural Alcorn State University All-Star Cheerleaders represents another historic milestone for our program, and we are excited to watch these young leaders continue to represent excellence in their schools and communities.”
 
Working alongside Alcorn cheerleaders, participants received hands-on instruction in proper stunt technique, body control, spotting, communication, safety, and tumbling progression. Athletes were encouraged to challenge themselves while mastering fundamental skills that will benefit them throughout their cheerleading careers. One of the most exciting moments of the week also took place during Day Two as the newly selected Alcorn State University All-Star Cheerleaders learned the official Alcorn All-Star Cheer, marking the beginning of their journey as ambassadors of the program.
 
A historic milestone occurred during camp with the selection of the first-ever Alcorn State University All-Star Cheerleaders.
 
More than 27 talented middle and high school cheerleaders participated in a competitive tryout that evaluated leadership, crowd-leading ability, motion technique, jumps, enthusiasm, coachability, performance quality, and overall character.
 
Following a comprehensive evaluation, 12 outstanding athletes were selected to become inaugural members of the Alcorn All-Star Cheer Team.
 
As ambassadors of Alcorn Cheer, these athletes will represent the program throughout the upcoming year by promoting leadership, sportsmanship, school spirit, and excellence within their respective schools and communities. Their selection recognizes not only their athletic ability but also their commitment to character, dedication, and servant leadership.
 
“This was an unforgettable week, and we look forward to making the 2027 camp even bigger and better,” expressed Dr. Queen.
 
Day Three focused on preparing each team for the final showcase performance.
 
Campers worked closely with their assigned Alcorn cheerleaders, who served as camp guides and mentors throughout the week. Together, they refined motions, cheers, chants, dance routines, stunt sequences, tumbling passes, timing, synchronization, and overall performance execution. This collaborative mentorship allowed campers to receive individualized instruction while building confidence and preparing for Showcase Day.
 
The week concluded with an exciting Showcase Day, where parents, family members, friends, coaches, and supporters gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of each participating team. Every school proudly performed its complete showcase routine featuring the camp cheer, chant, dance, stunts, and tumbling they had learned throughout the week.
 
Camp Team Awards
🏆 Grand Champion

• Canton High School

🥇 1st Place

• Natchez Middle School

🥈 2nd Place

• Madison High School

🥉 3rd Place

• Jefferson County Middle School

Special Team Awards

• Most Improved Teams
  • General Trass High School
  • Amite County High School
• Honorable Mention
  • Wilkinson County High School (Banana Award)
• Honorable Mention & Most Spirited Team
  • Heidelberg High School (Small Banana & Big Banana Awards)

 
Throughout camp, team spirit remained a major emphasis. Each evening concluded with spirited bonding competitions including Motions to Grab Pom, Pass the Pom, and Musical Pom, encouraging teamwork, communication, and camaraderie.
 
The coveted Big Banana Award was presented nightly to the team that best exemplified enthusiasm, positivity, encouragement, and school spirit.
 
Beyond teaching cheerleading skills, the 2026 Summer Camp reinforced the importance of leadership, discipline, accountability, teamwork, and confidence. Campers left with enhanced technical abilities, stronger friendships, and memories that will positively influence them both on and off the mat.
 
Alcorn Cheer remains committed to investing in young athletes while providing opportunities that prepare future leaders through the sport of cheerleading.
 
For additional information, please contact Alcorn State University Cheer Program at cheer@alcorn.edu.