The El Monte High School varsity cheer team received recognition from the El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees during the March 4 meeting after completing a season that included two national championships.
The Lions captured the National Cheerleaders Association High School National Championship and also secured a national title at JAMZ Cheer and Dance competitions. District leaders recognized the student-athletes for their commitment and for representing El Monte High School at a national level.
Trustees acknowledged the accomplishment during the public meeting and congratulated the athletes and coaching staff for a season that brought recognition to the school and the broader El Monte community.
National Cheer Titles Highlight Program
The National Cheerleaders Association, known as NCA, is one of the oldest and most influential cheerleading organizations in the United States. Founded in 1948, the organization hosts training camps, regional competitions, and national championship events for school and all-star cheer teams.
NCA competitions bring together high school programs from across the country. Judges evaluate routines based on technique, difficulty, synchronization, and overall performance.
JAMZ Cheer and Dance is another major national competition series focused on cheerleading and dance teams. The organization hosts events throughout the country and offers national championship competitions that feature many of the nation’s top programs.
Winning titles from both organizations during the same season marks a significant achievement for the El Monte High School cheer program. District officials said the accomplishment reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork from the athletes and their coaches.
Trustees said the program’s success highlights the strength of extracurricular opportunities available to students in the district.
Benefits Of Competitive Cheer
Competitive cheerleading offers students opportunities that extend beyond athletic performance. Athletes build teamwork skills while learning to trust teammates during stunts, tumbling passes, and synchronized routines.
Students also develop discipline and time management skills while balancing practices, travel, and academic responsibilities. Preparing for major competitions often requires extended practice schedules and consistent training.
Participation in competitive cheer programs can also help students build confidence and leadership skills. Many cheerleaders serve as leaders at school events, supporting athletic teams and engaging with the campus community.
District leaders said the national titles demonstrate how extracurricular programs can support student development while also creating pride for schools and neighborhoods throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Tryouts Scheduled For Upcoming Season
Following the championship season, El Monte High School is preparing for the next year of its cheer program. The school recently announced tryouts for the 2026-2027 cheer team.
A parent meeting is scheduled for April 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s conference room. The meeting will provide families with information about the program, expectations for participants, and details about the tryout process.
Tryout workshops will take place May 5 through May 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the school’s small gym. These sessions allow interested students to practice skills and prepare for the formal evaluation.
The cheer program’s recent success reflects a broader effort within the El Monte Union High School District to expand opportunities for student involvement and leadership. School officials say activities such as cheerleading help students stay connected to campus while developing teamwork, discipline, and school pride.
Families and students interested in learning more about district programs and activities can find additional information through the El Monte Union High School District website at https://www.emuhsd.org.
