Senior Spotlight Week Three
Jill, Byron Center High School
Jill Gress has been a member of the Byron Center Varsity team since her incoming freshman semester. Jill has been a leader on this team since day one. Her desire to learn and perfect skills is so inspiring.
She is also a great teammate - she honestly looks at all the girls on her team as sisters and is always willing to help them in and out of practice. Jill has been on teams that have head extreme highs and lows, but it has never affected how she feels about cheerleading - she loves the sport.
She also has coached Rocket Cheer teams during football seasons at Byron Center and has established many great relationships and promoted future generations of Byron Center Cheerleaders.
Division Two
Cassie, North Muskegon High School
Cassie is a fourth year varsity cheerleader at North Muskegon High School. Cassie has been cheering since 3rd grade. Cassie works very hard and never gives up. She is very dedicated to her team. She is a very determined student, and amazing person.
Cassie is very excited to encourage and help her team to reach new levels this year. Cassie is one of three returning cheerleaders on the team this year. With a majority of the team consisting of inexperienced underclassmen, she always encourages them to never give up.
Outside of cheerleading Cassie works part time, and participates in Girls club, Envirothon, Alcohol Awareness Project, French club, and Swim Team. Cassie is always challenging herself academically and takes college courses at the community college while being enrolled in high school.
After graduation, Cassie hopes to continue cheerleading at college next year. She also hopes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Division Four
This is Rachel’s third year on Grandville’s Varsity Competitive Cheer team and she competes in all 3 rounds. Her strong tumbling are a great asset to the team. She leads by example, continually works hard to improve, and is determined to do her best for her team.
Rachel is a member of the GHS equestrian team, competes in high jump on the track team, and is a principal viola player in the GHS orchestra.
Outside of school, Rachel is very active in 4-H. Over the past 8 years she has won numerous awards with her horse, Snickers, and her dog, Kipper, as well as with her projects in sheep, calves, and rabbits. She also won the Ottawa County 4-H Achievement Award with her dog for their community service and their success in the show ring while competing in agility, obedience, and showmanship.
Next fall she will attend Grand Valley State University and pursue a career in photography or art. Her favorite things are: her horse, her dog, her truck, Gilmore Girls, chips and cheese, and (of course) Cheer!
Division One
Rachel, Grandville High School
