The Cincinnati Enquirer is offering the final The Spirit Award voting poll for recognition of cheerleaders, dance team members and their squads.
Much like the popular athlete of the week voting, school fans and friends can vote on two weekly ballots (individual and team) for The Spirit Award. Only coaches can provide nominations each week, either for their squads or other teams.
Eligible are varsity girls and boys cheerleaders and dancers who exemplify the fruits of the spirit ‒ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – while uplifting their squads, the student body and others.
Team nominations focus on squads that come together to help each other, work hard, do things right that week, show outstanding virtues when dealing with or serving others, exceed expectations to prepare something special for the school or take part in any other honorable reason they might be acknowledged.
Voting lasts until 4 p.m. on Fridays, when winners will be announced with a story. They will receive digital certificates and can share a photo with those certificates for an upcoming gallery. Email prepsports@enquirer.com or aharrison@enquirer.com to receive the certificate.
Coaches can email mlaughman@enquirer.com with questions, to join the email distribution list and submit nominations. The deadline is every Monday by noon.
Here are this week's ballots, with athletes and teams nominated by their coaches:
Spirit Award - Individuals
Madison Finn, South Dearborn High School – The junior is a member of the varsity cheerleading squad as well as the competition team. Madison is a hardworking athlete who consistently brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to everything she does. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her teammates, encourage others, and step outside her comfort zone to try new things. No matter the challenge, Madison approaches it with a smile on her face and a willingness to learn and improve. What makes Madison special is her positive energy, kindness and dedication to her team. She leads by example and demonstrates what it truly means to be a supportive teammate. Madison is a wonderful representation of South Dearborn Cheerleading and is very deserving of this recognition!
Kennadi McQueary, Goshen – As a senior, she consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, leadership and a strong work ethic both in the classroom and on the sidelines. She excels academically while balancing the demands of our varsity and competition cheer squads, dedicating countless hours to our program. Beyond her own commitments, she generously gives her time to support and mentor younger athletes in our youth cheer program. Her positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an outstanding role model. She truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete and is incredibly deserving of this recognition!
Kiley Winterman, Conner High School – This athlete shows grace, strength, grit, and determination in everything she does. She takes a beating at practices and just keeps on going. She is also a great student, peer, mentor and friend. Kiley consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of her life. She is a good, kind human with a tremendous work ethic and positive attitude. We are lucky to have her on our team.