The Flett Middle School gym was packed on Saturday as middle school Cheer, Dance and Drill teams from five schools gathered for a cheer competition. Thirteen groups from Flett, Chase, Glover, Yasuhara and Medical Lake middle schools performed for an enthusiastic crowd with judges awarding prizes for Best Dance, Best Pyramid and Best Crowd Engagement.
“It’s been a really positive experience,” shared Flett paraeducator and cheer coach Heather Bass, who wanted to help organize a springtime competition so 6th-8th grade students would have more time to develop skills and practice their routines during the school year.
Interest in cheerleading at SPS middle schools and elementary schools has boomed in recent years. In 2025-26, 499 students have turned out for a middle school cheer, spirit, drill, or dance team. At our elementary schools, 353 students have participated in a cheer or dance team-related activity this year. That’s 852 students engaged in an activity where they’re learning skills and building community at their school.
Creating opportunities for students to get involved in an out-of-school interest is part of our Engage IRL initiative with LaunchNW.