TEAM TITANS from SMJK Ave Maria Convent, Ipoh is one of the hot teams to watch in Cheer, the biggest cheerleading competition in the country.
Apart from their entertaining routines, their eye-catching cheerleaders’ costumes have won them the Best Dressed Award several times.
Their costumes were actually designed by their former teacher adviser, Loo Siat Lee who led the cheerleading team since 2000 until her retirement two years ago.
Loo’s dedication to her students’ growth in cheerleading was rewarded in 2006 when the team clinched the Champions title in Cheer that year.
To top their celebrations, Loo also received the inaugural Teacher of the Year award that year. The award recognises teachers’ contribution and dedication in guiding their students in cheerleading.
“I took six years to make them the champion,” says Loo, recalling how her cheerleaders did not even know gymnastics when they started. However, by 2006, the Titans had built a reputation for being one of the most talented teams around.
Although Loo has handed over the running of the team to the new teacher adviser, some of her students still keep in touch with her.
Last year, Chen Pei Li was named the Teacher of the Year. Her students, the Vulcanz All-Girls and Vulcanz All-Boys from SMK Seafield nominated her for the award.
Chen has been with the cheerleading team for eights years.
“At that time, we bought materials from overseas and went online to learn more about cheerleading,” says Chen, reminiscing about the early days.
To the cheerleaders, teacher advisers like Loo and Chen do more than just supervise them. They also lend support and spur them on, as the competition can get very intense.
Cheer 2008 is organised by Youth2, and supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Education Ministry with the co-operation of the Majlis Belia Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Silkygirl is the main sponsor while SEGi College is the co-sponsor for the event. 8TV is the official media partner.
Log on to www.thestar.com.my/cheer for details.
Do you think your teacher adviser can be the Teacher of the Year? Send in your nomination for this special award that honours teacher advisers of cheerleading teams.
You can make a scrapbook with stories and photos, or just write a simple essay stating why she/he is the best ever.
For enquiries, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1165. The closing date is July 7.
Send your entries to:
Teacher of the Year Award, Cheer 2008
Marketing Services Department
Star Publications (M) Bhd
15, Jalan 16/11,
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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