Football isn’t the only sport at Gloucester High that’s been affected by the school committee’s decision to pause all extracurriculars amid the ongoing teachers strike in town.
The Fishermen’s cheerleading squad — which has proudly represented their school at the varsity football games while also competing in their own competitions — is also taking a hit.
Gloucester’s cheer team secured a runner-up finish at their first invitational earlier this season, and followed that up with a terrific third place performance at the Northeastern Conference Championships. The latter result earned them a qualifying score to advance to Regionals at Billerica High School this coming Sunday — and now, they may not get that opportunity.
“We are greatly affected as a team by the recent strikes, but we also understand the gravity of the situation for our educators,” said GHS cheer squad captain Lexi Thomas. “We have found it very disappointing as seniors, as it is our last time to be able to compete.”
As of Tuesday, the Gloucester teachers continued to strike and the school committee continued to stand pat in their decision regarding athletics and extracurriculars. Members of the cheer team, including Thomas and fellow senior captain Maddie Battle, made a public appearance during a rally at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, standing in front of the cameras with their pom-poms and competition bows to support their teachers and make their presence felt.
Due to the mandated restrictions, the cheer team has still been unable to practice since the school committee’s decision to shut things down went final over the weekend. The team was enjoying a phenomenal season and remains focused on stringing together another strong showing at Regionals — should they be given the chance — with a spot in the state competition on the line.
“The key to this season’s success was the dedication to the sport that everyone has put in, (and) the determination of our girls,” said Battle.
“We are extremely proud of our girls and all the hard work they have done,” added Thomas. “Maddie and I will not be cheerleading in college, and this is a high school milestone we are not ready to let go.”