This school year, Grapevine High School’s cheerleaders are celebrating their 100-year anniversary.
Over the past century, GHS cheer has won national championships in the American Cheerleaders Association, National Cheerleaders Association and a UIL State Championship. The program has also produced cheerleaders who continued at the collegiate level, including at the University of Oklahoma, University of Texas, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, Baylor, University of Kentucky and more.
“The dedication these girls show is truly inspiring. They sacrifice so much of their time to support other sports and activities throughout the campus and community,” said GHS Head Cheer Coach Morgan Laney
Not only has GHS cheer produced championship-winning teams, but these spirit leaders have also had a unique family connection throughout its history.
“Grapevine cheer is truly extraordinary. With its rich history and cherished traditions, I feel incredibly privileged to be the third generation in my family to coach this program,” said Laney. “It’s been a joy to coach not only two of my cousins, but also my niece, creating a beautiful connection that spans our family and continues the legacy of Grapevine cheer,” she added.
Ginger Moore-Quillen, a 1988 GHS graduate and former GHS cheerleader, also has a family connection to the program that spans over three generations. Quillen's grandmother, Charlene Hodges, was the first in her family to cheer at GHS in the 1930s. Quillen’s mother, Charlotte Moore, cheered for GHS in the 1960s.
“My family has been in this area a long time. It meant a lot to me to be able to continue that tradition for our family,” said Quillen.
The lasting impact that the GHS cheer program has created is a sisterhood and unique family-like bond.
“My squad members are my best friends. We are still connected to this day. Thirty-six years later, and we are still very close,” said Quillen. “For me, that is the lasting legacy. A lot of us cheered together in middle school and went all the way into high school. It’s an amazing group of women,” she added.
GHS cheer is being celebrated during this week's homecoming festivities, with alumni and former cheer members participating in the homecoming parade, andcurrent cheerleaders giving alumni a tour of the campus, including visiting the school’s Wall of Champions and the paint room where banners for game day are prepared. Current and former GHS cheerleaders will also be honored at the homecoming game, which begins at 7 p.m., at Mustang Panther Stadium, 3051 Ira E. Woods Ave, Grapevine, TX 76051. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the following link.
Please join us in celebrating the GHS cheerleading program on its 100-year anniversary! Click the link to watch the full story.
