Raising Voices in Good Spirits

It isn’t often that teenagers are invited to yell inside a department store. It’s even more rare when they’re rewarded for it.

But Bloomingdale’s in Newport Beach recently brought together cheerleading squads from around the county for a cheer-off. Laguna Hills High’s squad received the loudest response from the audience and won the $500 prize.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for pep squads to perform to a community audience,” says Joan Marie Kilby, Laguna Hills High’s librarian and pep squad advisor for 14 years.

“Self-esteem is enhanced through this type of recognition, and we are always looking to achieve success for the girl and not just the girl in the uniform.”

Before they could shout “give us a c-h-e-e-r,” the girls modeled evening wear and school togs from Y.E.S. and other junior department labels. They were escorted and encouraged by male cheerleaders from Mater Dei High in Santa Ana.

After the fashion show, the girls changed into uniforms and did their best to pump up the crowd.

“The other squads did a great job,” Kilby says. “Everyone had fun, including the parents and the passersby.”