KING CITY — King City High School Sideline Cheer Team represented their school and community this July at a two-day United Spirit Association (USA) home cheer camp, gaining new material, learning innovative stunts, completing team credentialing and embracing their role as ambassadors both on and off the sidelines.
At the conclusion of camp, the KCHS Cheer Team earned the highest honor from USA instructors: a Superior plaque for their outstanding overall performance evaluation. In addition, the Mustangs claimed a coveted spirit stick in recognition of their high-energy, strong leadership and exceptional teamwork throughout the multi-day camp.
Individual recognitions were highlighted at camp as well. Senior cheerleaders Luz Rivas, Isabella Hernandez-Swift, Alexa Santillan, Janessa Correa and Jizelle Cerna were specially selected to apply for the USA Staff following graduation.
In addition, seven KCHS athletes — seniors Santillan, Correa and Hernandez-Swift, alongside juniors Anahi Cervantes, Italia Nuno, Sanai Monroy and Giselle Aguilar — were named USA All-Americans, an honor given to 12% of cheerleaders at Varsity Spirit camps nationwide. All-Americans are invited to perform at special Varsity Spirit events across the globe.
Among those selected, Santillan, Hernandez-Swift, Cervantes and Nuno will be representing King City internationally this winter at the 2027 New Year’s Day Parade in London, England. They will join high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the US and Europe to perform during this global broadcast event.
The opportunity to showcase their hometown abroad carries deep meaning for the girls.
“Being able to represent King City High School on a global stage overseas is an incredible feeling,” shared Santillan, who is returning for another year as an All-American. “Knowing that I get to showcase where I come from while being part of such an amazing experience makes this opportunity even more meaningful.”
Nuno echoed that excitement, adding, “I am most excited to experience London with all my favorite people and especially it being on New Year’s, what a great way to start the year! With that, I am also excited to meet new people from all over the world.”
Behind this prestigious honor is a tremendous amount of grit and preparation. For Cervantes, a first year member of the KCHS Cheer team, pushing through the intense training made all the difference.
“The USA camp helped push me to see my potential. It was extremely intense, but reminding myself to never give up and reach for greatness even when it seems impossible allowed me to give my 110% to the All-American tryout,” Cervantes said.
Now, the London-bound group is counting down the months. As Hernandez-Swift summed it up, “I’m so excited to represent both my high school and King City as a community in front of thousands of people. It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait for December to come.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring or donating to support these cheerleaders in representing King City on an international stage can visit kchsmustangcheer.com for ways to donate.
