Acceptance Speech

Being chosen as an All- American Cheerleader has changed my life. This award is something I have dreamed of since I was a little girl. I feel so honored winning this award.

First, I knew at a young age I wanted to be cheerleader. I always watched competitions of T.V. At college football games I watched the cheerleaders perform with the dream of that being me some day. When I was finally old enough to tryout, I worked hard to make the team. Since then, I have been a cheerleader for five years. I have worked hard to accomplish and strive for my dream. I was on my school squad along with a competitive team. We traveled to several states to compete against other teams. It was a great experience and a lot of fun. Lastly, when I had the opportunity to be an All-American Cheerleader, I could not pass it up. I worked hard again to get my routine together. I performed a routine, jump sequence, and tumbling pass in front of several groups of judges. It was very nerve racking, but very worth it. Going into the tryout, I put a smile on my face and showed them what I had. At the awards ceremony, I waited patiently for the results. I could not believe it when they called my name. I have never been so excited in my life.

To end this, I just want to think my parents for never letting me give up on my dream. Without their help, I would not be the person I am today. They have done so much for me, from driving me to all my practices to taking time off on the weekends to watch every competition of mine. I want to encourage everyone to follow their dreams. Never give up on something you like. At times you want to quit, just keep going. It will always be worth it in the end.

West Side Story

A musical Romeo and Juliet story.

The Sharks and Jets are two feuding street gangs in 1930's Los Angeles, the Jets being White and the Sharks being Puerto Rican. At the school dance at a gym, Jet Tony falls in love with a Shark's sister, Maria. They know they can't be together because of the gang's war, but that doesn't stop them.

Meanwhile, the two gangs prepare for a rumble, and Tony tries to stop it out of love for Maria. In the process, his best friend and Jet leader Riff is killed by Maria's brother, Bernardo. In anger, Tony kills Bernardo. He realizes his mistake (killing his love's brother) and begs for forgiveness, which, of course, Maria gives him. They decide to leave the city, and the pointless hate, behind them. They plan the meet at Doc's Candy Store and take a bus to the country. Chino, the Shark Maria is supposed to marry, vows to kill Tony. Maria asks Anita, Bernardo's fiancé, to tell Tony she will be a little late meet him at Doc's Candy Store, but when Anita is mauled by the Jets, she angrily tells them that Maria is dead, murdered by Chino, which is, of course, a lie. Doc overhears this and reluctantly tells Tony. Tony is devastated and furious, and hunts Chino down so he can be killed too. Then Tony runs into Maria at the playground and is overjoyed. As soon as they embrace, Chino runs in with a gun and shoots Tony. Tony tries to stay alive but is overcome by the bullet and dies. Maria bursts into tears, devastated, and when the police come, both Jets and Sharks help carry Tony away. Baby John places Maria's head scarf on her head and Maria is the last to walk out.