Cheer squad enjoys strong start in return to Section 9

The Poughkeepsie Pioneer Cheer program is off to a strong start in its first year back in Section 9. The Pioneers this month have earned a first- and second-place finish at two competitions this month, using a routine they developed at another successful preseason UCA Cheer Camp.

Each year at the camp, Poughkeepsie has earned the Leadership and Tradition awards, which “reflect the character, commitment, sportsmanship and team spirit that our athletes demonstrate throughout the season, head coach Lynnece Edmond said. The team also earned the “top Banana” honor for showing school spirit and sportsmanship at the August camp, which was attended by 35 teams.

The Dover Game Day Cheer Competition on Oct. 3 marked the team's first competition of the year, and included teams from both sections 9 and 1, taking second. The Pioneers then earned a first-place finish in a meet held at Highland Oct. 15. The team will continue to compete throughout the winter, and has been performing at Poughkeepsie’s football contests.

“Our program continues to grow while remaining committed to developing student-athletes who excel both on the mat and in the classroom,” Edmond, a Poughkeepsie Middle School teacher, said.

The team enters this year after two consecutive milestone seasons, competing at UCA nationals in 2025 and last year earning a first-place honor at UCA regionals. “This accomplishment was a testament to the countless hours of practice, dedication, perseverance, and belief in one another that define our program,” Edmond said.

The team’s slogan is “LEAD,” an acronym standing for “Leaders,” “Empower,” “Ambassadors,” and “Determined,” attributes and roles which Edmond said forms the “foundation” of the program.

“As we return to Section 9, Pioneer Cheer looks forward to building upon our accomplishments while creating new opportunities for our athletes,” the coach said. “We are excited to represent our school and community with pride, passion and Pioneer Spirit, continuing a tradition of excellence while developing the next generation of leaders.”