Courtesy Atlantic City School District
Spirits were high in the Atlantic City High School gymnasium as the district hosted Cheer: The Ultimate Showdown 2025 on Saturday.
The event showcased the talents of various schools' cheerleading teams, culminating in an unforgettable celebration of athleticism and school pride.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School Complex emerged as the champions of the competition, securing their second consecutive title with a performance that left the audience in awe.
Their routine was an impressive display of synchronization, acrobatics and enthusiastic cheer, reflecting rigorous training and unwavering dedication.
In addition to winning the overall competition, the team also tied with New York Avenue School for first place in the Walk Out competition.
Pennsylvania Avenue School took second place in the category.
“I watched them work so hard in the practices — not just on getting the essentials of the steps and cheers,” MLK School Principal Jodi Burroughs said. “They worked on themselves.”
Head Cheerleading Coach Bria Days emphasized the team’s creativity, particularly in the Walk Out competition.
“The Walk Out sets the tone for each team and gives the audience insight into every team’s personality,” Days explained. “It says, This is what we’re bringing. This is us. Come see us.”
Days and Assistant Coach Crystal Johnson designed the Walk Out as a tribute to the Divine Nine, the historic Black Greek-letter sororities and fraternities, incorporating various organization colors.
“It helped them think about college,” Burroughs added.
Johnson noted that the experience also reinforced teamwork. “Most of them have been with the team for three years,” she said. “With new faces and new cheerleaders, they had to incorporate them into the MLK cheer family.”
The cheerleaders shared their personal growth and experiences throughout the season:
• Angelia Llanos said cheerleading provided her with an emotional outlet.
• Aniyah Muhammad enjoyed making new friends and learning new skills.
• Brionne Jones initially hesitated to join but was ultimately proud of her teammates’ progress.
• Haleema Ceaser considered quitting early on but decided to stay after witnessing the team’s positive attitude shift.
• Janelis Juan, who will transition to high school next year, called this her best experience with the team because of the unity they developed.
• Ashlee Varela shared how she overcame initial fears: “It was scary at first, and I didn’t want to try out,” Varela admitted. “One of my teachers encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. Over time, I got more comfortable with the team and built bonds with new people.”
The cheerleaders also expressed deep appreciation for their coaches, describing them as dedicated, encouraging, inspiring, and supportive.
Burroughs echoed their sentiments:
“They go above and beyond,” she said of the coaches. “They truly care for these girls. Whether they had won or not, they’re better for the experience. The fact that they won makes it that much sweeter.”
Sherri Hicks, cheerleading coordinator, applauded the team’s victory.
"They were absolutely flawless,” Hicks said. “They executed everything a cheer competition requires: clean stunts, tumbling, jumps, smiles, and the confidence that defines a champion squad.”
New York Avenue School Cheerleading Coach Shammara Martin said her team captured the audience's attention with their Walk Out chant because they heard the girls even before they saw them.
“The crowd never stopped screaming,” Martin said.
The Pennsylvania Avenue School cheerleading team delivered an outstanding performance, securing second place in the highly competitive showdown.
Newly appointed Principal Tom Biggins was thoroughly impressed.
“They showed an incredible amount of spirit and pride, and they were simply amazing,” Biggins said. “They nailed all their stunts, were perfectly coordinated, and performed exceptionally well. As their new principal, I could not be more proud of them. I’m excited to see what they accomplish in the future.”
Coach Natia Huckaby celebrated the team's growth and perseverance.
“The pride I feel for my girls is beyond words,” Huckaby said. “For many of them, this was their first time cheering or dancing in front of a crowd — and they crushed it.”
Hicks also recognized the team's effort.
“They worked their tails off,” Hicks noted. “At first, they struggled to bring everything together, but they pushed through and gave it their best.”
• Lailonnie Gunter, Aah’lyni Williamson and Solay Parker all described cheerleading as fun. “Cheerleading is a sport I truly enjoy,” Parker added.
• Kanah Biggins said cheerleading helps her engage with friends and teammates. “I like cheerleading because it keeps me occupied,” Biggins shared.
Hicks emphasized that beyond competition, the cheer program serves a greater purpose.
“The importance of the cheer program is bringing young people together and teaching them responsibility, teamwork, and community,” Hicks explained. “Even though we all have differences, when we come together, we’re just one big cheer family—and that showed on Saturday night.”
The Atlantic City High School Cheerleaders presented an exhibition performance under the direction of coach Elizabeth Barnes and Tyra Oliver. Then the high school students acted as spotters to support the elementary cheerleading teams, which are feeder programs for Atlantic City High School.
The Ultimate Showdown 2025 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of school spirit, teamwork, and the vibrant Atlantic City Public Schools community.
The event united students, teachers, parents and supporters, all sharing in excitement and pride for their respective schools.
"The event is growing not only with our school community, but with our community at large," said Jason Lantz, extra curricular elementary teacher coordinator. "It was great to see the unity amongst all stakeholders in the community."
The following schools participated in the cheer competition:
• Chelsea Heights School
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex
• New York Avenue School
• Pennsylvania Avenue School
• Richmond Avenue School
• Sovereign Avenue School
• Uptown School Complex
