The cheer program under head coach Jessica Altz has set new goals for themselves as cheerleaders and competitors. Not normally considered a powerhouse cheer program, coach Altz and her squad are working hard to change that and create a new culture at U.S. Grant High School. “Our team comes from an inner-city school and while my cheerleaders may be considered underdogs we are working hard to make it to the top. I took over the team last November and have worked hard to build this team. We went from a team of only four girls who don’t stunt or tumble to a team of 24 that do it all from stunting, to tumbling, to dancing in less than a year. These cheerleaders have grown so incredibly much I cannot be more proud to say that I am their coach,” said coach Altz.

Seeing the transformation is amazing. This team has continued to grow since her arrival and the future of the program is very bright.

Sherry Shannon is just one of the members who brings a new attitude and commitment to the team. Coach Altz said Shannon is like a true MVP. “Sherry is my MVP because even though she is new brand new to my team she always comes with a positive attitude, she is always the first to volunteer to help others and is always the first to practice. She tries her best even if she’s nervous to try something new. She has her eyes on her future, which I believe will be very bright,” said coach Altz.

Members of the 2021-22 cheer squad at Grant High School include seniors Xochitl Gonzalez, Sherry Shannon, Rebeca Yanez, Niza Hernandez, Esmeralda Perales, and junior Arianna Peterson. The sophomore class includes Andre Martin, Jadelyn Bledsoe, Elena Perales, Zonia Ramirez, Sandra Mata, Kimberly Del Valle, Elizabeth Vann and Citlali Sanchez.