Traditional values carry Kamehameha-Kāpalama cheerleaders to their fourth national title. (Click the image for a larger view.) Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Wong

Up against exceptional gymnasts and established cheerleading programs from powerhouse states like Texas, Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, it was the girls from the Islands that captured the hearts of the judges and audience alike at the 28th annual National High School Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Kamehameha-Kapālama won first place in the Small Varsity division — its fourth national title in six years. “It was an amazing experience,” said senior captain Keenyn Won. “Our team values are hō'ihi, mālama, kuleana and pono. Perhaps they were just words to us at the start of the season, but after coming so far and facing so much, I think all of us finally understand that our values make us who we are. On the floor when it counted, we found a strength inside that carried us through. It made all the difference.”

Competing for the first time ever, Kamehameha-Kapālama's Middle School blue squad finished among the top five junior high programs in the nation, taking home a fourth-place trophy. In addition to the Warrior squads, both Kailua and Kalāheo high school's varsity squads represented Hawai'i well at the Feb. 9-11 competition by advancing to the semifinal round of competition in the Small Varsity division.

Kamehameha-Kapālama's Middle School blue squad finished in the top five, taking home a fourth-place trophy. (Click the image for a larger view.) Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Wong

Discipline and a sense of values have been a way of life for the Kamehameha cheer team. On the always demanding and sometimes lonely road of physical, mental and emotional challenges that pave the way toward any worthwhile achievement, cultural values have proven to be the greatest source of strength for the Kamehameha-Kapālama cheerleaders.

“From the time the members enter our program they are taught to respect what is na'au pono,” said co-head coach Melissa Beimes, who is an aide to Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Boyd Mossman. “They understand that they have a responsibility to each other, to our program, to our school and community. It is this deep sense of what is right that has really helped our kids do well in such a huge national forum.”

Huge indeed. The cheerleading championship features hundreds of squads from 48 states, all regional champions in their own right, in two days of intense competition. In the world of cheerleading in which every event is seemingly now labeled a “national,” the NHSCC is widely acknowledged as the one true competition. It is the only championship recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations, which administers high school athletics and fine arts programs in all 50 states. Highlighted by ESPN and ESPN2 in more than 60 hours of dedicated programming, the NHSCC is the premier event of its kind.

The Kamehameha-Kāpalama national champion varsity squad is coached by Melissa Beimes, Giselle Kim, Shawna Lee and Dolly Wong. Squad members are: Chelsea Bega, Robbi Bulatao, Brianna Burnett, Cady Burnett, Erika Castro, Rachel Joaquin, Kacie Kamaka'ala, Kanani Kekuawela, Ashley Klein, Cristina Lei Luke, Ashley Murakami, Kelli Ann Uehara, Savannah Wolfe, Keenyn Won and Shelby Wong.

Coaches for the Kamehameha-Kapālama Middle School blue squad are Michelle Kamali'i, Alise Garcia, Reina Takano and Kawena Vierra. Squad members are: Kaylee-Jane Arakaki, Keala Armstrong, Nikki Bulatao, Breanna Dano, Shayla Ganotisi, LeShae Henderson, Chael Kekona, Lindsey Kim, Kayla Kimura, Lindsey Leong, Momi Morgan, Alicia Ruelke, Mehana Salvani, Kelly Schade, Haylee Soma, Kalei Soon and Shawna Uehara.

Dolly Wong is a coach for Kamehameha-Kapālama's national champion varsity squad.