Junior assists in coaching middle school cheer team

Kira Horn cheers with the De Soto High School cheer team on Freshman Day.

Kira Horn cheers with the De Soto High School cheer team on Freshman Day.

Many students find the opportunity to pursue their interests through activities and clubs at De Soto High School, though for some the involvememt doesn’t stop there. This is the case for junior Kira Horn.

Horn has participated in DHS cheer all three years of her high school career, as well as assisting in coaching the cheer team at Lexington Trails Middle School.

Horn choreographs routines for the team as well as helping them clean up their routines before competitions.

According to LTMS cheer coach Caroline Friday, the middle school girls “love it” when Horn comes to practice.

“She gives advice on all sorts of cheer things and the girls just really respond well to someone who is currently a high school cheerleader,” Friday said.

According to Horn, her high school cheer experience plays a large role in how she teaches the younger girls.

“I’ve learned that we need to go over the routines several times so they will remember it,” Horn said. “We also break down each part until they get it.”

Horn also plays an active role in the teaching process.

“I like to switch off between doing [the dance] with them and then having them do it themselves because it challenges them to remember the routine,” Horn said.

According to Friday, Horn’s teaching is very effective and has been crucial to the cheer team’s success this year.

“She is a tremendous help to both the girls and coaches,” Friday said. “She brings a willingness to help, expertise and choreography skills to the table as well as a positive attitude. I love having Kira’s help.”