HOPE – The Hope High School Cheer Team placed one member on the Arkansas Activities Association All-State West Cheer Team as the HHS squad wrapped up its 2019 season with solid performances at the state competition.
\r\nHHS junior Za’nautica Barker, a four-year cheerleader, was named a 2019-2020 All-State Cheerleader at the Dec. 21 competition at BankOZK Arena in Hot Springs.\r\n
\r\nBarker has cheered since eighth grade, and she currently attends the Hope Collegiate Academy campus of the Hope Public Schools. She was nominated for the All-State team by HHS Cheer Coach Kirby Bradley.\r\n
\r\n“She is an asset to the cheer team,” Bradley said. “Her all-around cheer skills are what landed her to become a 2019-2020 All-State Cheerleader.”\r\n
\r\nBarker plans to continue cheer activities in her senior year and anticipates studying psychology at Philander Smith College in Little Rock after high school graduation.\r\n
\r\nBarker’s selection was part of a strong season finish for the HHS Cheer Team, Bradley said. \r\n
\r\n“Out of our four competitions, the girls placed first in two of them and came in a close second in one,” she said.\r\n
\r\nThe team took first place most recently in the Dec. 14 El Dorado High School contest, winning the Division 4A title and earning Overall Highest Scorer in performance.\r\n
\r\n“The team put in a countless amount of hours to prepare to compete,” Bradley said. “Although we had our complications, the girls overcame them all and did great things when it was time to compete.”\r\n
\r\nTeam members include Audrianna Collins, Alaya Pearson, Trinity Rogers, Brittney Martinez, Bianca Juarez, Jaylei Simington, Za’nautica Barker, Ashlyn Courtney, Anntaevia Briggs, Byresasia Gulley, Ashanti Phillips, Michaela Clark, Khyianna Smith, Na’Tyja White, and Kayla Wyatt.\r\n
\r\n“I couldn’t be prouder of this team this year,” Bradley said. “I am grateful to be their coach. The work was worth it.”\r\n
