The Lamphere High School cheer program has experienced lots of growth throughout the years, especially since April Ferns was first welcomed into the sport and began making her mark on the team. The LHS cheer program has been expanding significantly, not only gaining popularity within the school community, but has also been seeing an increase in student participation and engagement. As the years have progressed, the team has demonstrated more passion, energy, and determination with every passing season, and the level of talent continues to grow with each new year that goes by. The current 2026 seniors hold a particularly special place in the program’s history, as they are the very first group of seniors to have had the privilege of working with April for all four years of their high school career, and this unique experience truly shows in their performance and leadership abilities. These dedicated seniors have assumed significant leadership roles and are playing a crucial part in the continued growth and development of this thriving program.
I asked all four-year varsity seniors what they have seen change since they were freshmen. Here’s what they said:
Sophie Najar: “Our practices are more structured than in freshman year. We know more about the sport, and we are more excited to get things done.”
Juliette Johns: Our practices have gotten more serious over time. We also have to be perfect all the time
Hailey Williams: “The team has gotten more determined, and we are more willing to put in the hard work doing drills and workouts to build our strength. We have also continued to get closer and create stronger bonds.”
Madison Hayter: “ The team has gotten a lot better when it comes to stunts. We are more willing to try new things other than giving up. Our program had grown so much with our skills and our scores.”
Ellie Rogensues: “I feel that each incoming freshman class shows more potential every year, and as time progresses, April pushes us to reach our best. When I started as a freshman, my growth into a senior has been incredible, and I can’t wait to finish my senior year with a great experience.”
I also interviewed the head coach of LHS varsity cheer, April Ferns, and I asked her how she thought the program had been growing and how it continues to grow. Here’s her response:
“Since assuming the role of head coach in the spring of 2022, I have had the privilege of witnessing tremendous growth within the Lamphere High School Cheer program. When I began, the program had not qualified for Regionals since 2013 and had not secured a MAC Championship title since 2017–2018. In previous years, team scores struggled to break into the 700s, and rebuilding the foundation of the program became the top priority.
Through dedication, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, our athletes have completely transformed the program’s trajectory. In just a few seasons, Lamphere Cheer has earned multiple invitational titles, been named 2025 District Runner-Up, MAC Blue Champions, and proudly qualified for Regionals. I was also honored to be recognized as MAC Blue Coach of the Year in both 2023 and 2025, an achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of every athlete who represents our program.
Our growth extends beyond the Varsity level. After several years without a JV Competitive Cheer team, we successfully reinstated the program, and the team has since captured numerous invitational titles and the 2024 MAC Blue Championship. The middle school program has also seen tremendous expansion, now featuring 20–25 athletes on the Sideline team and, beginning in 2024, two Competitive Cheer teams.
Lamphere Cheer continues to grow each year—not only in numbers, but in commitment, positivity, and school pride. The progress we have achieved is a direct result of our athletes’ determination and our community’s continued support. I am confident that Lamphere Cheer will continue to rise and build upon this foundation of excellence for years to come.”
I would like to personally thank April Ferns for coming into our program and pushing us to be our best. Thank you for bringing us the resources we needed when we needed them most. Your dedication and support helped us become District runner-ups and regional qualifiers, achievements we are incredibly proud of. Our goals have been raised higher than ever before, and we are ready and determined to accomplish them. Good luck, Lady Rams! You’ve got this, and we believe in each and every one of you.