Highlands Middle School Notes

HMS Cheer Takes 2nd in NKCCA Event

Contributed Photo. The Highlands Middle School team finished runner-up out of 44 high school and middle school squads in the NKCCA competition at Boone County.

The Highlands Middle School Competition Cheer squad finished runner-up in the 28th annual Northern Kentucky Cheerleading Coaches Association competition at Boone County on Saturday.

The squad was ranked 14th out of 44 teams that participated in the event that includes high school as well as middle school squads. The coaches are Tammy Kimble and Cyndi Studer. Members of the squad are Piper Bailey, Grace Brandon, Ava Carson, Emma Cooper, Anne Exterkamp, Bailey Gabbard, Halle Haigis, Laney Hensley, Lindsey Kempe, Kate LaMothe, Haley Morgan, Hailey Reichert, Katie Rhea, Ava Sandhas, Brynn Seither, Syndey Shewalter, Sloan Sower, Chloe Votel and Emily Winters.

The squad also received the NKCCA Volunteer Award for outstanding community service projects such as the Adopt-a-Family program with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. For five straight years, the Highlands Middle School cheerleaders have worked with the organization to make for a better holiday experience for a local family. The team also made 500-plus homemade cards and presents them on Veteran's Day at the VA in Fort Thomas.

Nine members of the squad received an award for academic achievement. Cheerleaders must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. The nine girls are Cooper, Exterkamp, Hensley, LaMothe, Morgan, Rhea, Sower and Votel.

HMS Dance Team Takes Second at Event:

On Jan. 6 at Cincinnati Seton, the Highlands Middle School Dance Team finished Runner-Up. The team wowed the crowd with two exciting routines taking second in both large categories of Pom and Hip-Hop. This competition has schools from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The team is coached by Woodfill Elementary teacher Samantha Reynolds.

HMS Basketball Results:

The sixth grade boys basketball team beat Summit View Academy, 29-24 to win the Dayton Holiday Classic. Tournament Most Valuable Player Nathan Vinson led the way. Mike Herald is the head coach and Keri Welch assists him. Other members are Noah Frommeyer, Ty Schwalbach, Nathan Welch, Lincoln Hicks, Brayden Moeves, Cameron Bottom, Eli Bouldin, Carson Class, Zach deSylva, Brody Benke and Dalton Roller.

The sixth grade Highlands girls sixth grade team beat Campbell County, 44-42 in overtime to win the annual Dayton Holiday Classic title. Tournament MVP Laney Smith and All-Tournament selection Amaya Barton helped the Bluebirds to the crown. Dave Pratt is the head coach and Dan Aseere assists the team. Other team members are Kasey Gross, Lily Muller, Claire Cavacini, Lindsay Stein, Kamryn Clukey, Bailey Markus, Kate Jamie, Ceili Simmins and Sadie Aseere.