Varsity cheerleading is coached by Lakeview science teacher Morgan Jankovich, whose passion turns squads into synchronized powerhouses. She shared insights on how this basketball season is progressing. “A few things that I have done this year for the program is help the varsity girls plan new ideas and games for pep rallies, such as the super fun teacher dance this year,” Jankovich shared. That viral teacher dance-off, featuring faculty busting moves to pop hits, had the gym erupting in laughter and applause, drawing even shy students into the fun. Behind every cheer, the team carefully crafts events that bring energy and connection to the whole school, from themed skits to crowd-hyping challenges.

Balancing schedules is one of the biggest behind-the-scenes challenges. Cheerleaders juggle varsity sports like basketball and track, clubs such as student council, and even marching band commitments. Time management is key to avoiding burnout. Jankovich added, “We really worked our best this year to work around as many sports as possible, as well as the band. We love that our cheerleaders are well-rounded athletes.” Practices often start at dawn or stretch into evenings, with flexible groupings allowing multi-sport stars to attend key sessions without missing games.

To ensure everyone shines, practices emphasize adaptability, which carries into choreography. Jankovich and her sister, former Lakeview cheerleader Mackenzie Jankovich, designed all tryout routines for junior high and high school teams. They hosted a two-day summer camp, complete with drills, team-building games, and personalized feedback. This year brought something fresh: the introduction of pom style to Lakeview cheer.

“This year, we introduced a new dance style into Lakeview’s cheerleading program called pom, which blends the sharp, clean motions of cheer and dance tricks with poms in hand,” Jankovich explained.

Joscelyn Burkey, a senior cheerleader, goes into detail on the thoughts of the new dance style, “I really enjoyed the new type of  style that our coach taught us this year. It was very nice to try something new that was fun for everyone especially since the type of style is what you see on college cheer teams. I am looking forward to this type of style continuing on for our Lakeview cheer team.”

Since Lakeview doesn’t have a dedicated dance team, pom filled a creative gap, infusing performances with flowing routines, tosses, and synchronized pom routines that dazzle at halftime shows. Athletes like senior captain Emma practiced for weeks, mastering basket tosses with poms that added sparkle under the gym lights. The result? A unique blend of athletic precision and artistic flair that has elevated Lakeview’s game presence, earning compliments from visiting teams and scouts.

Behind every performance is a deep sense of unity and purpose. The team worked hard to keep all squads, from grades 7 through 12, in sync. “We worked this year to make sure that all squads 7–12 were uniform in their cheers and band dances to make it more consistent throughout the program,” Jankovich noted. This cohesion shone during the homecoming pep rally uniting the student body in chants.

Cheerleading at Lakeview isn’t just about performing—it’s about building. Fundraising through car washes, bake sales, and spirit wear drives supports new uniforms and equipment. The squad also hosts mini cheer camps for elementary kids, teaching basics and instilling bulldog pride, while volunteering at community events. These efforts raised over $2,000 last year, funding the pom expansion.

It’s this mix of spirit, leadership, and heart that defines Lakeview cheer. What fans see on the sidelines is only the final product of months of creativity, collaboration, and pride—proof that cheer is the heartbeat of school spirit.