From Vicksburg to Alcorn: Kei’Mya Walton Named Cheerleader of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Kei’Mya Walton, a Vicksburg native, has been named Cheerleader of the Year at Alcorn State University. The award was officially announced on Saturday, when Walton was recognized on ASU’s cheer team social media page just a short while before the spring football game.

“I’m blessed and highly favored,” Walton said. “I’m still shocked, but I’m very appreciative. I thank my coaches and my teammates.”

Before cheering at the collegiate level, Walton cheered for the Vicksburg High School Gators, where she is a 2024 graduate. She graduated No. 3 in her class before heading off to cheer for the Braves.

Now that Walton has become a veteran in the sport, cheering at the prominent HBCU gives her the opportunity to continue falling in love with it.

“I love everything about it because it’s my safe space,” she said. “Whatever I’m going through, I can just come cheer and let it all out.”

Walton is a base on the team, and sometimes she serves as a flyer. Spending the summer and fall cheering in the heat, Walton and her team have to go through intensive conditioning to stay at the top of their game. After cheering during the blazing heat for the football team, Walton transitions to basketball cheer.

Walton had opportunities to cheer at other schools after high school but chose her dream university, where she now stands as Cheerleader of the Year.

“God led me here,” she said. “I have a great support system, and I’m living my dream.”

Walton is led by head coach Timothy Queen and assistant coach Kala Blanton.

Walton is a biology/pre-nursing major and plans to become a nurse anesthetist.

From Vicksburg to Alcorn, Walton’s story stands as a testament to faith, hard work and the power of chasing one’s dreams.