Working fundraisers to travel to Hawaii

Two senior high school cheerleaders, Katelynn West and Maci Britt, recently made the All-American Cheer Team and are working extra hard to go to Hawaii with a team from all over the United States.

The last time Checotah had an All-American Cheer member was 22 years ago when Ashley Funburg qualified in 1999, 2000 and 2001. However, she only made one trip with her team to London in 2000. Ashley’s mom, Laurie Funburg, stated that in the 30 years that she has coached, these three girls are the only three that have made it this far.

Katleynn and Maci were part of the Top 15 out of 50 in the state. They were given the choice to go to London or Hawaii and they chose Hawaii to be in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Event in December. However, they have to raise enough money to cover their own flights so they have been hosting several fundraisers to be able to afford the trip.

On Oct. 7 they held a successful bingo night at the Checotah Senior Community Center. They are also raffling off a half side of beef on Oct. 27 and a Ruger LC Carbine Rifle on Nov. 27. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

Both of the girls are excited for the opportunity to represent Checotah and are thankful for all the community’s help to get them there and back.

Katelynn is a senior at Checotah High School and takes college courses. Her activities include CHS Cheer Captain, Track, Leadership, National Honor Society, Indian Honor Society, Student Council, JOM, All-American Cheer and she is the owner of WildcatNation TikTok.

Katelynn is the daughter of Cindy West and Jared West. She is the granddaughter of Vickie and Jimmy Hamm, the late Gene and Nellie West, and the great granddaughter of Myrtle Frost.

Maci is a senior at Checotah High School and takes college courses. Her activities include CHS Cheer Captain, All-American Cheer,