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JHS 194 Cheerleading Team
JHS 194 Cheerleading Team
Contributed by Effie Fillos & Farrah Zhou, interviews by Marissa Filippi
Contributed by Effie Fillos & Farrah Zhou, interviews by Marissa Filippi
Cheerleading is more than just a sport; it is an activity that encourages others while promoting teamwork, leadership, and hard work. Being a cheerleader requires dedication, effort, and strong cooperation among team members. Cheerleading also creates a supportive community where teammates lift each other up and spread positivity.
The cheerleading team meets every Tuesday from 2:30–3:30 p.m. During these practices, members work together to create dances and cheers that they perform at basketball games. In order to join the team, students must complete a tryout that includes learning and performing a choreographed dance. Participants may also choose to perform a special skill, such as a cartwheel or a split. Once selected, team members continue practicing routines, tricks, and cheers during weekly meetings.
While observing the cheer team, we interviewed several members from all three grades to learn about their experiences as 194 cheerleaders. Chloe Kim, a dedicated member since sixth grade, shared that she joined cheer because it was “fun and had a strong sense of community.” She described the environment as “very positive and uplifting.” Maddy, a seventh grader, said she joined cheer to “meet new people in a fun and welcoming environment.” She also explained that “the coaches are very nice and everyone on the team is very supportive.” Lily, a new cheerleader, explained that she joined cheer to “meet new people” and enjoys the team because it is “very fun and allows members to build strong relationships.”
Ms. Olivieri-Ricci has been coaching the cheerleading team for several years. During an interview, she shared insights into her experience as a coach. When asked why she decided to coach cheerleading, she explained that “someone asked me to do it after many others had said no.” She added that she was “nervous at first because I had never done anything like that before.” Ms. Olivieri-Ricci also explained that she and Mrs. Scagnelli “designed the uniforms together,” and that “the PTA agreed to pay for them after the team held a fundraiser at Applebee’s.”
Bulldogs Basketball ('24-'25)
Bulldogs Basketball ('24-'25)
by Chloe Kim
by Chloe Kim
A school is more than just a building—it is the people, the community and their connections. At JHS 194, these connections form the foundation of our school spirit, and one of the strongest examples of this is our basketball team.
“We’re not a team, we’re a family,” says Alex Taveras. This sense of unity is what sets the 194 Bulldogs apart. Undefeated so far this season, the team brings pride to JHS 194, demonstrating perseverance and hard work throughout their remarkable season.
The Bulldogs embody a mindset that pushes them. As Miguel Zapateiro puts it, “When talent runs out, that’s where hard work pays off. There is no such thing as giving up when you already started.” No matter how a game begins, the team remains focused and determined. Tyler Schaefer echoes this belief, stating, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Beyond their performance on the court, the basketball team represents the school with outstanding sportsmanship and kindness. Their sportsmanship is something Coach Toner takes great pride in, often reminding his players of the importance of character both on and off the court. Coach Toner challenges them to do their personal best by setting new goals. They work weekly to achieve their personal goals and grow as athletes.
Anas, another dedicated team member, offered a final powerful perspective: “Everything happens for a reason—there are lessons to be learned from every experience.” And that’s what makes a community built on connections, where every challenge is met with hard work, and every victory is shared like a family.
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