By Daniel Jones, editor
Sabine is a land of tradition. Things tend to stay the same here despite the outside world. However, Zwolle High School is trying something new by allowing their first male cheerleader, Shamar Carhee, to hit the courts and cheer for the Hawks this school year.
The move comes at the exact same time that several NFL teams are also placing male cheerleaders on the roster, as is the case with Jesse Hernandez, who made his first cheer appearance for the New Orleans Saints mere weeks ago. Men as cheerleaders has been commonplace at universities for quite some time.
Carhee gives simple reasons as to why he wanted his spot on the squad.
“I attend almost every Hawk game,” Carhee says. “I loved getting the crowd involved and doing chants and cheers during the games, keeping everyone’s spirit up.
His exciting and cheerful demeanor only helps build his case.
“I love being a person full of excitement and joy,” Carhee said. “It just seemed like the right step.”
His role making it onto the team wasn’t exactly easy, as the energetic 12th grader explained that he tried out for the 2017-2018 school year but didn’t make the team. He refused to let it stop him from doing what he desired most, even when he knew others might not necessarily want him to succeed.
“I was aware that people were discussing my tryout ‘behind the scenes,’” he said.
Some people provided differing reasons as to why he was trying out and hoping that he wouldn’t make it.
“Well, they got what they wanted then, but those negative thoughts didn’t bring me down or stopped me from doing what I really wanted,” Carhee said of the ordeal. “I used them as my motivation to go for it, and I succeeded. There were also people by my side supporting me every step of the way.”
Next year, his excitement will make its way to McNeese State University, where he hopes to continue in cheer.
Asked about hobbies, Carhee states that he doesn’t really have any, but provided a list of extracurricular activities he takes part of in school.
He’s been heavily involved in 4-H for eight years and serves as a junior leader.
“Shamar has served as Zwolle High 4-H President, and you can always count on him to have his reports ready, students in place, and a big smile on his face,” said Nan Arthur, parish 4-H representative. “He is extremely responsible and engaged. His enthusiasm not only for 4-H, but for life is contagious.”
He is also a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and serves as a peer leader. Last summer he attended their national conference in Washington, D.C., and plans to go again this year.
In the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), he made excellent on all regional tests in computer solving and business communications.
As a member of the yearbook staff, his commitment to documenting the happenings of Zwolle High are paramount.
I love taking pictures throughout the school year and at the different events,” he explains. “Working on the yearbook is quite fulfilling.”
With basketball just weeks away, he’s ready for the season and, of course, excited. Be ready to see him cheering for the Hawks on the sidelines