Vote for The Enquirer's Sept. 8 Spirit Award honoring cheer, dance

The Cincinnati Enquirer is pleased to offer The Spirit Award voting poll for weekly 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 [e-mail] or [e-mail] to receive the certificate.

Coaches can email [e-mail] with questions, to join the email distribution list and submit nominations. The deadline is every Monday by noon.

Here are this week's ballots:

Individual

Rorie Allen, Conner High School – "She’s always the very definition of what a cheerleader should be. Her kindness, inclusiveness, positivity, teamwork, leadership and willingness to go above and beyond anything that is asked of her is a beautiful thing to witness on a daily basis. The world needs more people like Rorie.'

Brynn Hamlett, South Dearborn – 'The senior varsity cheerleader is a four-year member of the cheerleading squad.  This past Friday, Brynn was named Cheerleader of the Game. Brynn brings great energy and enthusiasm to the sidelines and is always ready to support the Knights. As a senior, she continues to be a positive example for the younger members of our squad through her dedication and school spirit."

Scarlett Highlands-Amster, Cincinnati Country Day - "She is an outstanding example of leadership, character, and service within our school community. Scarlett is our Varsity Cheer Captain and sole Senior cheerleader, and she has embraced that role with maturity, selflessness, and a genuine desire to make those around her better. She leads not only through her actions, but through the way she treats others. Outside of cheer, Scarlett is a Varsity Golfer, a member of Students helping Students, and a leader within our student section/Flight Crew. She consistently looks for ways to bring people together, build school spirit, and make others feel included. This year, she also took the initiative to start a new Spirit Club, creating another opportunity for students to connect and get involved in supporting our school. What stands out most about Scarlett is that her leadership extends far beyond a title. She is the person who encourages her teammates, celebrates others, serves without needing recognition, and steps up when something needs to be done. Whether she is leading her cheer squad, rallying the student section, supporting another team, helping a fellow student, or creating something new for our school, she does it with a servant’s heart. Scarlett has consistently exceeded expectations in the way she gives of her time, energy, and talents. She brings joy and enthusiasm to our school. Her love of CCDS is evident in the commitment she shows to every team and organization she represents. Scarlett is the kind of leader who leaves people and places better than she found them. She uplifts her squad, our student body, and those around her, and she is a wonderful example of what it means to lead through character, service, and genuine care for others."

Jackie Lindsley, Taylor High School – "Jackie is one of the most dependable athletes on our team. As a senior cheerleader, she consistently shows up ready to work, gives 100% of her effort, and approaches every practice with a positive and determined attitude. Jackie leads by example and isn’t afraid to hold herself and her teammates accountable to the same level of commitment. Her work ethic, reliability, and leadership make her someone the team can always count on. She truly represents what it means to be a dedicated teammate and leader."

Ella Myers, Newport Central Catholic High School – "Ella led her team with grace during NCC's historic first home football game. Love, joy, patience, and kindness- all qualities that easily describe Ella. She is creative and trustworthy. She is the heart of the team and never lacking in love or support for the sport or her teammates. She challenges and guides. She is always willing to help her coaches and provide assistance to her underclassmen. NCC is blessed to have her on their roster."

Camaya Sanders, Winton Woods – "The senior is a natural leader both on and off the field. As captain of the cheer program and an active member of Student Council, she consistently uses her enthusiasm, positivity, and energy to uplift and support her peers. She is committed to helping all students thrive socially, academically, and athletically, making a positive impact wherever she goes."

Jada Wallace, Middletown High School – "The senior is an ambitious and talented athlete on our varsity cheer squad. Jada shows leadership and love as she strives to uplift the team at practices and games. She leads by example and does her best to motivate her team, the football team, and the Middie fans. A true scholar-athlete. "

Teams

Taylor High School cheer squad – "The squad, which loves to laugh, is made up of varsity athletes who work hard, push each other, and always have each other’s backs. We’re proud of the team culture we’ve built, one where we support, encourage, and lift up not only our teammates, but the other teams around us too. This year, we’re focusing on the Three R’s: Respectful, Respectable, and Respected. We want to show up with a positive attitude, work hard, represent Taylor HS well, and be the kind of team that others can count on and look up to. Our goal this year is to stay team-focused while continuing to grow, stay dedicated, and put in the hard work. We’re excited to see how much these 18 athletes can accomplish together!"

The Majestic Middie Majorettes – “This is year three for the dance team. After overcoming many obstacles, this year seems to be a great year for the team. Our 15 dancers, from ninth to 12th grade, have studied and created something very magical to watch. They show outstanding virtues when dealing with each other. They also serve others with many community service projects. Whether it’s hosting a youth dance camp or volunteering to help, They exceed the expectations set to prepare something special for each football game. I’m beyond proud of them.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vote for The Enquirer's Sept. 8 Spirit Award honoring cheer, dance