Chesterton Cheer Earns Top Honors at UCA Master's Camp The Chesterton High School Cheerleading program returned from the UCA Master's Cheer Camp at Ball State University (July 14–17) with an impressive collection of awards and recognitions, highlighting the program's continued excellence in leadership, sportsmanship, and performance. Throughout the four-day camp, the Trojans challenged themselves to improve their stunting, tumbling, game-day skills, and team unity while proudly representing Chesterton High School among more than 20 outstanding programs from across the region. The week was highlighted by one of the program's most meaningful achievements—earning the prestigious UCA Master's Leadership Award for the third consecutive year. Unlike many camp awards, the Leadership Award is voted on by fellow participants. Each team is asked a simple but powerful question: "If you couldn't be on your own team, which team would you want to be on?" Being selected by their peers speaks volumes about the culture that Chesterton Cheer has built—one centered on leadership, sportsmanship, encouragement, and respect. The Trojans also captured one of camp's most recognizable honors—the coveted Spirit Award, affectionately known around UCA camp as "The Banana." The award recognizes the team that consistently demonstrates the greatest enthusiasm, encouragement, positive attitude, and school spirit throughout the week. Junior Varsity Camp Awards ⭐ Most Improved Camp Routine ⭐ Most Creative Fight Song ⭐ Best Presentation of Material Cheer Varsity Camp Awards ⭐ Basket Superstar ⭐ Best Energy Cheer ⭐ Most Creative Stunt Sequence Individual recognition was equally impressive, as eight Chesterton athletes earned the prestigious 2026 UCA All-American designation. This honor recognizes athletes who demonstrate exceptional technical ability, leadership, spirit, and performance and provides them with the opportunity to perform at future Varsity Spirit events in London, Hawaii, or Orlando. 2026 UCA All-American Recipients Alana Hernandez Grace Miller Kyliann Hill Emma Gilbert Cole Gilbert Ethan Wood Brendan Brady Talyia Howard Another special honor presented during camp was the Pin It Forward Award, recognizing athletes who exemplify kindness, service, leadership, positivity, and encouragement toward others. Congratulations to: Emma Gilbert Jaxon Schilla The coaching staff could not be more proud of the growth displayed by every member of the program throughout the week. Coach Graf stated: "These awards represent much more than strong performances on the mat. They reflect the character, leadership, teamwork, and family atmosphere our athletes continue to build each year. We are incredibly proud of how they represented Chesterton High School and are excited to carry this momentum into the upcoming season." 2026 Junior Varsity Cheer Team Raegan Adkins Yanna Beach Autumn Clark Cian Duffie Riley Evans Becca Freites Chrissy Gilmore Talyia Howard Mya King Ryder Monik Addy Thompson Mikayla Wozniak Jaxon Schilla 2026 Varsity Cheer Team Brendan Brady Carly Decker Jules Depew Ashlyn Dolph Emma Gilbert Cole Gilbert Adriana Gorbea Alana Hernandez Kyliann Hill Kathryn Jasch Andie Kollar Madelyn Lyons Ella Marganti Hadynn Martinez Jacob Moore Weston Moore Autumn Orban Bre Pappas Canon Surane Kendall Tarnow Ethan Wood Sophia Ontiveros The Chesterton High School Athletic Department congratulates every member of the cheer program and extends its appreciation to Head Coach Tara Graf and assistant coaches Calla Dolph, Cordie Armstrong, Grant Gilbertson, and Emma Sieman for their outstanding leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the mat. The future is bright for Chesterton Cheer, and these accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and Trojan Pride displayed throughout the program. Congratulations to our Chesterton Cheerleaders on an incredible week at UCA Camp! Onward Trojans! ❤️💛