Cheerleading Coach Gail Jernigan shown on the far left with her graduating cheerleaders and assistant coach Jennifer Applegarth. Submitted photo.

Cheerleading Coach Gail Jernigan has decided to retire after 17 years of coaching. She has left her mark on every team she has coached, but her last group of seniors will definitely hold a place in her heart. 

“My decision to retire is solely a personal one as I am planning to retire from the school system as well, so I decided to go out a winner,” said Jernigan.

While coaching many teams, the team that won her a conference title takes the top spot. It was a total surprise for her and the girls, since they had placed second in every other competition that year. 

“We were totally not expecting to win,” said Jernigan. “When our name was called for 1st place, the smiles and laughter on all the girls’ faces made it completely worth it.”

LaPorscha Gardner, an English teacher at North Lenoir High School and former Frink Middle School Cheerleading Coach, has accepted the position as the new coach.  

“I just hope for the program to receive the same amount of time and attention to detail that I put into it,” Jernigan said of her expectations. “Cheer in high school is not an easy task and takes a tremendous amount of effort.” 

Advancing to high school, the only main difference is the age and skill level, but that doesn’t scare Gardner.

Gardner is excited about the upcoming season, and looking forward to “spending evenings watching athletes do what they love.”

Above all else, sportsmanship and team bonding are what are most important to the new coach.

While staying in Lenoir County Public Schools, Gardner recognizes “any opportunity to build confidence, sportsmanship or talent in our county.”