Wildcat Stadium was filled with extra excitement, energy, and plenty of Wildcat pride Thursday night, October 8, as more than 100 young cheerleaders joined the Paris High School varsity cheerleaders on the sidelines during the first quarter of the Wildcats' football game.

The special performance was the highlight of a two-day Mini Cheer Camp held earlier in the week and led by the PHS cheerleaders. Throughout the camp, participants learned cheers, chants, and routines while getting the opportunity to work alongside the high school cheerleaders they look up to.

For many of the young participants, Thursday night's performance was an exciting opportunity to experience the energy of a varsity football game from the sidelines, cheer in front of a stadium full of Wildcat fans, and create memories that will last for years to come.

"One of the best parts of Mini Cheer Camp is watching our high school cheerleaders become role models for these younger girls," said PHS Cheer Coach Hannah Moran. "Seeing more than 130 mini cheerleaders on the sidelines Thursday night, smiling, cheering, and having the time of their lives, was such a special moment. Our cheerleaders love sharing their passion for cheerleading and Wildcat spirit with the next generation. We hope these little girls walk away from this experience knowing that one day, they could be the ones wearing a Paris High School cheer uniform and inspiring someone else."

Beyond learning cheers and routines, Mini Cheer Camp provides an opportunity for younger students to build confidence, make new friends, and develop a sense of belonging within Wildcat Nation. It also allows the high school cheerleaders to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and the importance of giving back to their school community.

With more than 130 mini cheerleaders participating, the sidelines were filled with excitement as the young Wildcats proudly showed off what they had learned during camp.

Events like Mini Cheer Camp are a reminder that Wildcat pride begins long before students reach high school. For these future cheerleaders, Thursday night was more than just a performance. It was a chance to be part of a tradition that brings generations of Wildcats together.