2026 National School Spirit Championships DI

National School Spirit Spotlight: Cherokee Trail High School

National School Spirit Spotlight: Cherokee Trail High School

Meet Cherokee Trail High School from Aurora, Colorado!

Oct 17, 2025 by Ava Jackson
Meet Cherokee Trail High School!

Meet Cherokee Trail High School!


Meet Cherokee Trail High School!


At Cherokee Trail High School, the cheer and dance squads have long been known for igniting the crowd and elevating the game day atmosphere. This year, they're taking their spirit to the next level—working together not only on the sidelines, but on the national stage. Learn more about how they're excited to perform together at the National School Spirit Championships!

From the Head Coach: The Value of NSSC:

We are especially excited to share the performance floor with our cheer team and bring Cougar Spirit to the National School Spirit Championships. We have such respect for what each other’s programs do, and working together has enhanced and unified us in a whole new way. #SKOCOUGS

 - Mia Brown, Head Dance Team Coach/Assistant Athletic Director

How Do You Incorporate Cheer and Dance To Show School Spirit?

Cheer and dance all work together to create the ultimate game day atmosphere. Cheer and dance lead spirit chants for the student section. During halftimes and pep rallies, our teams perform side by side to keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. It’s true collaboration when both groups come together.

-Aubrey Franklin, Senior Dance Captain 



Favorite Game Day Tradition:

My favorite game day tradition is singing the fight song with the football team after a win. It's really cool to see everyone so hyped and excited—especially during Homecoming and playoffs!

-NeVaya Yared, Senior Cheerleader

My favorite game day tradition is the Homecoming game! Usually, the senior athletes' parents organize a dinner for the entire dance team before the game. We take lots of pictures and enjoy each other’s company as the excitement builds for the Homecoming football game and festivities.

-Siena Malarkey, Senior Dance Co-Captain 

What Makes Cherokee Trail High School Special?

Cherokee Trail is special because of the relationships that form between students every year. Everyone is open to making new friends, and even if you don’t have a lot in common with someone, the inclusivity at our school is something truly worth recognizing.

-Vivian Reichert, Junior Cheerleader

Cherokee Trail is special because of the relationships that form between students every year. Everyone is open to making new friends, and even if you don’t have a lot in common with someone, the inclusivity at our school is something truly worth recognizing.

-Aubrey Franklin, Senior Dance Captain 

Cherokee Trail High School is truly special because of how well it creates a fun, safe environment for everyone. There are so many great activities—whether after school or during the day in class—that make being here enjoyable. When you walk down the hallways, you can feel the positivity. Everyone is happy to see each other and be part of the community. I truly love Cherokee Trail High School with my whole heart!

-Millie Brian, Sophomore Cheerleader

Favorite Game Day Memory?

One of my favorite game day memories is performing at halftime during Homecoming. The stadium is packed with parents, students, and members of the community—all coming together for one special night. We work so hard to prepare for this moment, and when the lights hit us on the field and the crowd starts cheering, it’s an unforgettable feeling.

 -Aubrey Franklin, Senior Dance Captain 

My favorite game day memory is cheering at an away game against Thunder Ridge High School. There wasn’t anything special about the game itself, but our team just had so much fun cheering together. We supported our players, they won, and the vibes were amazing afterwards.

-Millie Brian, Sophomore Cheerleader


Meet The Cheerleaders


Meet The Dancers


Varsity TV wishes Cherokee Trail the best of luck this season!