Peru, Neb.) – Prior to its virtual competition Valentine Day's Night in the Al Wheeler Activity Center on the campus of Peru State, the Bobcat cheer team recognized its six seniors.
 
Before each of the cheerleaders were honored, the entire was introduced as this was the first and only performance in front of home fans. A special recognition was announced prior to the event noting a special shout-out to one of senior's mothers who had been undergoing radiation in her battle with breast cancer.
 
The following seniors were recognized, along with their parents and/or escorts. The summary of comments on each are included and are written as read that evening. 
Hailey Babish
 
Hailey Babish came to Peru State from Ogallala, Nebraska, where she graduated from Ogallala High School. The daughter of Bonne and Heath Babish is a disease and human health and biochemistry major. Hailey's intention is to attend medical school, complete a medical residency and then follow-up with a forensics residency. Two of her favorite Bobcat moments are first when cheerleading became a competitive sport at Peru State and being able to compete and then being surprised with their families for the first home football game this fall.
 
Molly Brown
 
Falls City is home for Molly Brown. Brown transferred to Peru State from the University of Nebraska- Omaha. She graduated from Falls City High School. Brown is the daughter of Patty and Gary Brown. She is an elementary education with a supplement endorsement in early childhood education. After graduation Brown plans to become a corps member and teacher for Teach for America. If that doesn't work out, she plans to teach elementary school in Omaha. One of Molly's many favorite Bobcat memories is her first cheer practice after she had transferred. Everyone was so welcoming and nice and instantly created a family like feel.
 
Kelsey Brundage
 
Kelsey came to Peru State from the community of Juniata, Nebraska, and was a graduate of Kenesaw High School. The daughter of Carlia and Todd Brundage is being escorted tonight by friends Emily Fellin and Lauren Beath. The K-12 music education major plans on finding a vocal music teaching position some place warmer than in Nebraska. Kelsey has many Bobcat memories including the endless laughs and constant support from friends and family to all the kindness and love this team and community has shown her through all of the difficult and amazing times here at Peru State. She thanks everyone who has helped shape her life and experiences!
 
Bailey Johnson
 
Yes, Bailey Johnson is from Johnson. Bailey went to Johnson-Brock High School before signing to join the cheerleading team at Peru State. She is the daughter of Nate and Annette Johnson and is an elementary education major with an endorsement in English as a second language. Following graduation will be getting married in June to Anthony De Abreu and they will live in Florida for a year while he finishes his double masters' degrees. Johnson plans to teach while in Florida. One of her many Bobcat memories is the moment when the cheerleading team got to compete with the first-ever Peru State College competitive cheerleading team.
 
Destiny Maguire
 
Greenwood, Nebraska, is the home for Destiny Maguire. Maguire came to Peru State from Ashland- Greenwood High School. She is the daughter of Jason and Virginia Franey and is being escorted by sister Charity and friends Alyssa, Jill, and Brooke. Maguire is a marketing major with a minor in computer management and information systems. Her plans after graduation are expanding her knowledge in the marketing field and acquiring an internship or job at the marking agency. Once she build enough experience and knowledge she wants to open my own marketing agency and specialize in online and social media marketing. Oh, and moving out of Nebraska to a place that's warm year round. One of many favorite Bobcat memories is competing for the first time. The rush is something that is indescribable. Four years ago when Destiny joined the team Coach Brooke (Earnest) was already working to make our team competitive. After two hard years of convincing, we became a competitive team last year. We worked hard trying to prove we were worth the shot. After hitting our routine at every competition last season, Destiny thinks the team earned our credit. One thing she will take away from this program is the lifelong friendships it has blessed me with and all our inside jokes. This team is a second family and will always be remembered that way to me.
 
Cassie Seckel
 
Columbus, Nebraska, is home to Cassandra Seckel. Seckel is coming to Peru State from Scotus Central Catholic High School. She is the daughter Carl and Sandi Seckel. Seckel is a double major in elementary education and K-12 special education. After graduation she plans to find a teaching position closer to home near Columbus. One of her many favorite Bobcat memories is becoming a part of the first competitive cheer team at Peru State as well as the bonding in the locker room before we take the mat!
 
In addition, the following was shared about the six seniors.

  1. Three of the seniors – Kelsey, Bailey, and Destiny have been members of the team for four years. Hailey and Molly joined the team a year later while Cassie has been on the team for two seasons.
  2. All six of these young women have not only worked hard on the competition floor, but in the classroom as well. All six were named as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes last season and all are on track to earn the recognition for a second straight year.
  3. Their focus on their academics, too, helped their team last season to be named as an NAIA Scholar Team which requires that the entire team who competed had to have a cumulative 3.0 team grade point average.

 
Following the recognition of the seniors, the cheerleading squad warmed up for their virtual performance which they eventually won. It was Peru State's first-ever win in competition in the two years of being competitive.