By Paige Judson
Compass Points
Mona Shores HS
1st Place Division 4, Yearbook Verbal
Sports Reporting
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Story gives reader a clear picture of season highlights and outcome with relevant player comments
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
Senior Olivia Curtice only knows one way to finish the competitive cheer season – at the state finals.
As the only four-year member on varsity, Curtice has been on teams that have finished in the top seven for the past four years, including third place this year.
“Being at the state finals is my favorite part of the season,” said Curtice, who helped lead Shores to seventh, third and fourth places in the previous three years. “It is just a great experience to have been a part of such a high-level competition for the last four years.”
This time, the Sailors tied the school’s highest finish with third place at the Div. 2 championships at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids on March 2. Gibraltar Carlson won the title with 791.40 points while Shores finished with 777.92 points.
“It was a great experience to be able to go a step up from last year,” Curtice said. “I loved that I was able to place third in my last state finals competition.”
Prior to the state finals, the team placed first in 10 out of 12 regular season competitions, winning the City and conference titles. The Sailors also placed second at regionals.
“While a state championship will always be our end goal, our ultimate goal for Saturday was to have our best performances of the season,” head coach Amanda Heethuis said. “We were thrilled to hear our name called within the top three. It’s a true testament to how strong these girls really are.”
Despite falling short of a state title, many of the girls know what they accomplished.
“It is honestly a feeling that’s really hard to explain,” senior Taylor Keessen said. “We put in so much work during the season, and it is nice to see it pay off.”