School Spirit Alive and Well at KWHS

BY MADISON FERNANDEZ

KONK LIFE STUDENT WRITER

Key West High School is an exemplary school, and this can be seen at all levels, including their sense of school pride. Cheerleaders are a key component of encouraging this “Conch Pride.”

JV cheerleading co-captain Kaila Kirkpatrick says that the team looks forward to performing and team bonding events that promote this pride. She notes, “I love cheerleading because it gives you a way to support your school and have a fun time doing so. My favorite part would have to be attending the home football games. I love the hype of the crowd and getting our football players excited.”

The community can show their Conch Pride by supporting their fundraising efforts. Kirkpatrick states, “We mainly do things like getting people to sponsor photos, doing car washes, and selling items like phone pockets.”

Kirkpatrick has been a competitive cheerleader since she was eight, and a sideline cheerleader since she was thirteen. She says, “I absolutely fell in love with the sport and knew it was what I wanted to do.” Since then, she has participated in teams with Key West Youth Football League, Key West Elite, Horace O’Bryant, Key West High School, and One Athletics.

If there is any exemplary student who reaches the high standard to represent the school, Kirkpatrick is definitely one of them. “I work hard and do the best I can to be a role model to the younger athletes. If there’s anything I want most, it is to show these kids how far you can get with dedication.”

Along with the guidance of Captain Kirkpatrick, the team also loves their coach Tiffany Hughes. She says, “I like to see the girls work hard and see their improvement from freshman to senior year.” Coach Tiffany who goes by “Coach Tiff” has been coaching for five years now. She loves her varsity and JV cheerleaders and feels extremely confident in both teams for their upcoming performances. She states, “They all have worked extremely hard, and it will show when they perform.”

Watching these cheerleaders perform is definitely a thrilling addition to any event. Coach Tiff notes that not only do the cheerleaders put on a show at the high school athletic games, they also “participate in Wounded Warriors, Veterans Day Parade and many other community events.” Look for your Key West High School cheer teams at any of these events, and you are sure not to be disappointed.

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