Hope High School varsity cheer team member Za’nautica Barker was named to the All-State Cheer Team as the team finished a strong season at state competition. Za’Nautica is a junior at the Hope Collegiate Academy who has cheered for the HHS Bobcats for four years. Coach Kirby Bradley said the HHS Cheer Team took two first place awards and a close second place finish in its cheer competition season this year. Team members, left to right, from bottom to top, include Audrianna Collins, Alaya Pearson, Trinity Rogers, Brittney Martinez, Bianca Juarez, Jaylei Simington, Za’nautica Barker, Ashlyn Courtney, Anntaevia Briggs, Byresasia Gulley, Ashanti Phillips, Michaela Clark, Khyianna Smith, Na’Tyja White, and Kayla Wyatt. – Hope Public Schools

HOPE – The Hope High School Cheer Team placed one member on the Arkansas Activities Association All-State West Cheer Team as the HHS squad wrapped up its 2019 season with solid performances at the state competition.

HHS junior Za’nautica Barker, a four-year cheerleader, was named a 2019-2020 All-State Cheerleader at the Dec. 21 competition at BankOZK Arena in Hot Springs.

Barker has cheered since eighth grade, and she currently attends the Hope Collegiate Academy campus of the Hope Public Schools. She was nominated for the All-State team by HHS Cheer Coach Kirby Bradley.

“She is an asset to the cheer team,” Bradley said. “Her all-around cheer skills are what landed her to become a 2019-2020 All-State Cheerleader.”

Barker plans to continue cheer activities in her senior year and anticipates studying psychology at Philander Smith College in Little Rock after high school graduation.

Barker’s selection was part of a strong season finish for the HHS Cheer Team, Bradley said.                                                                                                                    

“Out of our four competitions, the girls placed first in two of them and came in a close second in one,” she said.

The team took first place most recently in the Dec. 14 El Dorado High School contest, winning the Division 4A title and earning Overall Highest Scorer in performance.

“The team put in a countless amount of hours to prepare to compete,” Bradley said. “Although we had our complications, the girls overcame them all and did great things when it was time to compete.”

Team members include Audrianna Collins, Alaya Pearson, Trinity Rogers, Brittney Martinez, Bianca Juarez, Jaylei Simington, Za’nautica Barker, Ashlyn Courtney, Anntaevia Briggs, Byresasia Gulley, Ashanti Phillips, Michaela Clark, Khyianna Smith, Na’Tyja White, and Kayla Wyatt.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team this year,” Bradley said. “I am grateful to be their coach. The work was worth it.”