From The Grove: WGHS Cheer Competes in Columbus

The Walnut Grove Cheer team headed to Columbus for the Game Day competition, fueled by the state experience that strengthened their bond and sharpened their skills. 
by Rylee Watson

​WG’s cheer team traded their familiar Friday night lights for the bright stage in Columbus, as they geared up on Tuesday, Dec. 2, to head over to compete. The team's day started at 8 a.m. with a nine-hour bus ride, and they then quickly settled into their hotel rooms. Preparing for the competition, Payton Scott shares, “We practiced the entire week before, and then on the day we left, we practiced for two hours in the morning before we got on the bus.”

They all worked together to showcase their dedication and unwavering spirit, displaying the time spent honing their skills. This 2025 squad was eager to bring their high-energy routines and cohesive stunts to an outstanding level. All 11 girls and both coaches spent their evening going to their annual state dinner and enjoyed their downtime before ending the night.

As the girls found their way back to the hotel, they completed their night with a festive pajama party, making sure to take pictures to capture every moment. As the girls filed into their rooms, they were greeted with a breathtaking sight of decorations and the unforgettable energy of their season coming to a close. Many of the girls enjoyed “when we stopped at Chick-fil-A for lunch and walked over to Target,” as expressed by Tobie Dean and Payton Scott.

Beyond the excitement surrounding the trip, going to Columbus offered our cheerleaders many opportunities, like competing at a higher level, building a stronger bond, and ending an era together. This trip allowed our senior cheerleaders to celebrate with their team and wrap up their last season as WG cheerleaders.

The morning rose as the girls got ready and soon gathered on the mat for their last routine. Hitting the mat, WG had a very small team compared to the rest of the division, so they had to use their skills and props to equal the other teams. They couldn’t help but look back on the challenges they have overcome, memories shared between them, and the commitment created at the beginning of the season. Tobie expressed that a major challenge she experienced throughout the years was her mentality. She shares, “I would just mentally struggle with my sport and think hard on myself, but I knew that I just needed to try my best and it would be okay. Through the several seasons, I was really proud and excited to show off my team and Walnut Grove.”

Seniors Nora Thigpen, Kyile Vaughn, and Ava Bentley spent their last minutes showcasing the dedication and hard work they have put into the years of participating as WG cheerleaders. These seniors have built a successful season, modeling a foundation of hard work and determination. They are beyond excited to compete and represent WGHS with pride. To these girls, cheerleading is more than just routines and stunts; it's about teamwork, spirit, and supporting one another, on and off the mat.

Though they didn’t take home the top prize, the Walnut Grove cheerleaders left Columbus with their heads held high, placing 13th in their division. As a whole, they showcased pure talent, teamwork, and school spirit. This experience brought them closer together, creating lasting memories and strengthening their bond as a team. They returned home with a sense of pride, finally ending an era as WG’s ’25 cheer team.