WASHINGTON – The Gallaudet University cheerleading team recognized nine seniors Saturday afternoon during a special Senior Day ceremony held prior to the Bison football game against Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology at Hotchkiss Field.
The nine seniors were joined by family members and friends as they walked onto the field to be recognized for their dedication, leadership and contributions to the Gallaudet cheerleading program. The cheerleaders later helped energize the home crowd from the sidelines as the Bison football team celebrated a 42-20 victory on Senior Day over the Bulldogs.
The senior class included
Gabe Cadete (Nashua, N.H.),
Tori Cushshon (St. Louis, Mo.),
Natalie Greene (Houston, Texas),
Noelle Jones (Hatfield, Pa.),
Justine Locatelli (Fremont, Calif.),
Mika Mitchem (Austin, Texas),
Juliana Sanchez (Mattawa, Wash.),
Ciarra Tate (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and
Kierra Tate (Pembroke Pines, Fla.).
Under the direction of head coach
Tara Miles, this year's senior class played an important role in supporting and guiding the team throughout the season. Several seniors balanced their cheerleading commitments with participation in other sports, employment and internships related to their academic majors.
"This year's senior class was truly top-notch," said Miles. "Despite their busy schedules and many responsibilities, they consistently found ways to balance their commitments while remaining dedicated to the team. Their passion, enthusiasm and leadership made a lasting impact, and we appreciate them more than words can express."
Senior captains
Ciarra Tate and Cushshon were instrumental in building team spirit and strengthening relationships among teammates. The duo helped organize several team-bonding activities, including decorating shirts for the pep rally, creating entertaining videos and planning activities to bring the team closer together.
One of their most memorable contributions came at the beginning of the season when they decorated the team's locker room to welcome 22 new cheerleaders into the program. The thoughtful gesture helped create an inviting atmosphere and set the tone for a season built around teamwork and camaraderie.
"A special shoutout goes to our two senior captains,
Ciarra Tate and
Tori Cushshon, who went above and beyond to guide, encourage and support their teammates," Miles said. "Their creativity and love for cheerleading were on full display throughout the season. It was thoughtful gestures like these that helped our cheerleaders feel welcomed, connected and valued."
For several members of the senior class, their involvement with Gallaudet cheerleading dates back to their first year on campus. Coach Miles noted that watching these student-athletes develop as performers, teammates and leaders has been especially rewarding for the coaching staff.
The seniors' contributions extended beyond the sidelines at football games, as they represented Gallaudet through performances, campus activities and community events throughout the season.
As the program celebrates its departing seniors, Coach Miles and the cheerleading coaching staff expressed their gratitude for the time, energy and dedication each member of the class brought to the team.
"The Gallaudet cheerleading coaching staff feels truly privileged to have worked with this incredible senior class," Miles said. "Watching them grow as cheerleaders, leaders and individuals has been a rewarding experience. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and wish them nothing but the very best in their future endeavors. Once a Bison, always a Bison!"
