HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Middle School cheering squad reclaimed its crown as the top squad in Aroostook County Saturday with an energetic performance at the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering competition.
Held at Presque Isle High School, the Shires bested squads from Central Aroostook, Presque Isle and Caribou. The Shires finished as runners-up last year, and were the County champions in 2019.
Houlton’s score of 36 points won the championship by a mere two-tenths of a point over runner-up Central Aroostook (35.8). Caribou was a close third with 35.7 points, while Presque Isle was fourth at 32.4.
“We are so proud,” Houlton coach Taylor Forest said. “We had a short season, and with the added difficulties of wearing masks and not being able to change stunt groups, it was a unique challenge, but they really made the most of the time we had.”
Houlton’s team members are Olivia Cyr, Olivia Hallent, Layla Burtt, Kenley Hatch, Hayden Belyea, Edy Michno, Emily Butterworth, Ella Johnson,Olivia Drake, Summer Violette, Amelia Flewelling, Addy Lynds, Jaycee Forest, Morgan Nuccio and Sage Bettencourt.
Members of the Central Aroostook squad, coached by Brittni Morrison, are Julia Pierce, Hannah Shaw, Maggie Mahan, Rebecca Bell and Abigail Howlett.
Members of the Caribou squad, coached by Margeaux Beaulieu, are Khora Marker, Katie Ellis, Addison Gove, Taylor Gilliam, Katelyn Michaud, Macie Malm, Jane Towle, Isabella Cherrier, Madelyn Cote, Callie Boucher and Melonie Lapointe.
Members of the Presque Isle squad, coached by Ann Clay Smith, are Kimberly Caron, Courtney Dockham, Liberty Herweh, Lita Perkins, Mia Shaw, Makenna Walsh, Johanna Cote, Addison Haley, Nyah Langley, Abby Reed and Olivia Sherman.
Forest guided the squad with fellow coach Elizabeth Flint. The season was not without its challenges. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, several key elements of cheering routines had to be eliminated this season. Those elements included pyramids and vocal cheering.
“The growth we saw in the team this season was amazing,” Forest said. “We are so thankful they got the full experience of performing in person.”
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Hoisted into the air is Panther Maggie Mahan, while supported by her teammates during Saturday’s Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Championships. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Central Aroostook’s Julia Pierce leaps into the air during the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Competition. In the background is Rebecca Bell. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Central Aroostook cheerleader Maggie Mahan (right) and Abigail Howlett perform their routine during the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Competition Saturday at Presque Isle High School. The Panthers placed second. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Caribou’s Khora Marker gets ready to be lifted into the air. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Caribou’s Madilyne Cote (right) leads the Vikings in a cheer. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Caribou’s Taylor Gilliam is hoisted into the air by her teammates during Saturday’s competition. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Addison Gove of Caribou strikes a pose during Saturday’s Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Competition in Presque Isle. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Olivia Sherman of Presque Isle Middle School is lifted into the air by her teammates Saturday at the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Competition. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Hoisted into the air by teammates is Presque Isle’s Courtney Dockham. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Lita Perkins of Presque Isle leaps into the air Saturday during her team’s performance at the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Competition. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Presque Isle’s Liberty Herweh strikes a pose during Saturday’s Aroostook League Middle School cheering competition. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Houlton’s Olivia Drake is hoisted into the air by her teammates during the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering championship at Presque Isle High School. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Ella Johnson raises her arms as she is lifted into the air during Houlton’s routine at the Aroostook League Middle School Cheering Championship Saturday in Presque Isle. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — April 10, 2021 — Leaping into the air are Houlton Middle School cheerleaders from left, Sage Bettencourt, Olivia Drake and Olivia Hallett. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
