A New Era of Spirit: Hillcrest Revives Its Cheer Program

For the first time since 2011, Hillcrest Academy has a cheer squad again! After a 14-plus-year break, the team faced the challenge of starting from scratch—new uniforms, poms, cheers, and routines. Last year, several of the girls who are now on the squad held bake sales to raise money for these items. They even began meeting and practicing before they had a coach, determined to bring cheerleading back to Hillcrest. Their initiative and leadership were evident from the very beginning.

This year, their efforts paid off as they secured a coach who was immediately impressed by their passion and commitment. The squad is led by alum Britt (Hochstetler ’08) Wilson, who cheered during her junior & senior years at (then) IMS. Britt was more well-known during her high school years for her dance background and brings a fresh, creative perspective to choreography. She is mom to three current Hillcrest students—Mason ’27, Paxton ’30, and Brennan ’32—and wife to fellow alum Caleb Wilson ‘05.

The squad is made up of six athletes representing every grade in the high school.
Captain: Senior Nora Swartzendruber—a strong leader and role model for the team
Co-Captain: Adrianne Blauvelt (Sr.)
Crowd Engager: Sasha Timco (Jr.)
Technique Leader: Karina Bourha (So.)
Spirit Leader: Vivian Ward (So.)
Safety Captain: Ella Slaubaugh (Fr.)

Each cheerleader brings unique gifts and strengths, making this squad exactly what Hillcrest needed for its first year back. The future of Hillcrest cheer is bright!

“Maroon! White! Let’s ignite— ravens soaring through the night! Hillcrest power show your might! Go ravens— fight, fight, fight!”