Cheer for Northside’s New Cheer Coach

Introducing Ms. Hernandez

Christopher Jones, Isaac Adewale, Ras-Derrick David, and Sabona Abdi

January 25, 2024

Following a fulfilling 2022-23 season, Northside cheer was left searching for a new coach. Ms. Janitza Hernandez is currently the face of Northside’s library and the softball coach here at Northside.

An avid cheerer, Ms. Hernandez has been involved with cheer since 4th grade. Her background in competitive cheer has taught her the ins and outs of being a cheerleader. She applied this knowledge as a coach at Shabbona Park and hopes to bring her years of experience and expertise to Northside’s cheer program. During our interview with Ms. Hernandez, she said, “I’m feeling excited this year! The kids seem to be just as excited as I am, which is nice coming into the school year, but I think we’re off to a great start.”

The team is buzzing with excitement awaiting their season. Cheer Co-Captain Samia Sheth (Adv. 409) told us, “We’re going to have a routine this year for halftime, which makes it feel more like a team.” They are looking forward to cheering at basketball games with their new halftime routine and continuing to practice with their new coach.

The current roster for the Cheer Team includes Quinn Shanahan, Emily Araujo, Phoebe Morcos, Samia Sheth, Citlali Salgado, Sophia Duong, Wiktoria Mleczko, Leilani Nunez, Ellyse Wiechert, Haley Morgan, Christin Murray, Jessica Perez, and Jimia Payton.

About the Contributors

Christopher Jones, PR Director

Chris is a Senior at Northside and is involved in several aspects of Northside other than the Hoofbeat. He enjoys listening to music, going biking with friends, and pen-palling. A fun fact about him is that he has four cats and really likes learning about animals. In his spare time, he enjoys advocating for mental health reform. When he’s not in journalism, you can find him in the lunchroom munching while doing homework.

Isaac Adewale, Staff Writer (Sports)

Isaac is a Junior at Northside. At school, he is a member of the Hoofbeat, Black Student Union and the basketball team. He enjoys watching basketball, visiting different places and hanging out with friends.

Ras-Derrick David, Staff Writer (Sports)

Ras-Derrick David is a Senior at Northside College Prep. He is a Native American student who is greatly involved in the Chicago Native community. You can find him on the basketball court or at the lake. He loves animals and as a result, doesn’t eat them. #vegetarian.

Sabona Abdi, Web Design Director

Sabona Abdi is a junior at Northside College Prep. At school, he is a member of The Hoofbeat, Black Student Union, and the basketball team. Outside of school, he takes college-level math and computer science courses at Northeastern Illinois University. In his free time, he enjoys playing the saxophone, biking, and spending time with his friends.