Stratford shows its spirit again

Stratford High School has set out to vanquish the competition at Sertoma for a worthy cause.

For the sixth consecutive year Stratford brought home the Alwyn Berlin Sertoma School Spirit Award.

The award was given out on Aug. 21, which was the first and last day of Sertoma. Last Friday night's events at The Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium were cancelled because of persistent rain.

Sertoma is a preseason football exhibition for local high school teams that brings together high school football fans, bands, cheerleaders, families and friends from around the tri-county area, and raises thousands of dollars for local charities.

Every year the cheerleading squads from the high schools that participate in Sertoma are asked to sell tickets for the game as a fundraiser.

The school that sells the most tickets wins the Sertoma Spirit Award.

For the past six years, Stratford High School has sold the most tickets and claimed the Spirit Award.

"Each year we have to go back stronger than the year before," Junior varsity cheerleader Alysha Carlos said.

In order to win the Spirit Award, the squads are also judged on organization, decorative signs and banners, and performances.

Each cheerleading squad must also pick a theme for its banners. Stratford chose a military theme this year in honor of the many military men and women who protect the country both domestically and abroad.

The squad dressed mannequins in military clothing and placed them on the field during their performance.

"With all that's going on we just want to show appreciation for all they do," Carlos said.

Stratford's varsity cheerleading captain K.C. McDowell echoed Carlos' sentiments. Raising money for local charities has instilled in the squad a sense of pride for community, she said.

Reach Jasiri Whipper at 745-5863 or jwhipper@postandcourier.com.