Submitted Photo Minot North cheerleaders participated in the UCA Cheerleading Camp earlier this month for the first time, and seven Sentinels received All-American honors. They are, from left to right: Jaidyn White, Alina Kibler, Vreelyn Nygaard, Victoria Vadala, Ashley Carr, Rié Lonning, and Saoirse Adkins.

As construction crews work on the new Minot North High School, student-athletes from north of the Souris River are building the foundations of the Sentinels’ athletic program. Among them are the young athletes making up the cheerleading team, and like their peers at Minot High, they also earned a Superior Trophy at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Camp earlier this month.

“It’s really great to see all these girls working together as one to achieve something so great only a week into our season,” said head coach Carly Johnson. “They have so much passion already and push each other to be their best, I look forward to see what they do next!”

The three-day camp was held from Aug. 7-9, with team members receiving instruction from three UCA staff members.

Seven Sentinels received All-American honors that will allow them to perform at events across the United States. Among the honored are Jaidyn White, Alina Kibler, Vreelyn Nygaard, Victoria Vadala, Ashley Carr, Rie Lonning, and Saoirse Adkins.

Alina Kibler said that she was pleased with how hard she pushed herself during the camp. “I had a great time at UCA camp, and although it was stressful at times, the outcome was worth it, and I felt proud of myself.”

Teammates echoed those sentiments.

“It felt good to push through towards that superior award, we had fun,” said Ariana Burlison.

Ashley Carr added “UCA was a blast, it was fun to learn new skills and be a part of such a great opportunity.”

As the fall sports season progress, the girls will take what they learned at the camp and carry it forward with them as they lay the foundation for the next generation of athletes and fans at the new school.

Perhaps, Teilanna Lantto put it best. “I’ve been enjoying our season so far. It’s really fun and fast paced, but it’s nice to see everyone improve and work together.”

For this first class of cheerleaders launching the Sentinel program, such positivity and hard work will leave their mark on the new school’s athletic program for generations to come.