Friday night lights

"Black, white, fight, fight, fight."

That chant exemplifies Permian High's cheerleaders, who've been chosen by the National Cheerleaders Association's Varsity.com website to be the first installment in a new feature called "Friday Night Cheerleading in America."

Cheerleading sponsor Valerie Hammit said many applied for the weekly honor, but the NCA invited Permian without the school even applying. Hammit said the two national NCA titles won by Permian perhaps made the team an appealing first story.

NCA staff worked on the feature at Permian Thursday and today, filming video and interviewing squad members. Hammit said a lot of work went into just being allowed to participate. They had to sign waivers for filming, and the package should be online around mid-September.

"It makes me excited to know we didn't apply for it, yet they still will honor us for our work," squad member Kaisha Slaughter said.

Work they do, with 7:30 a.m. practices Monday through Friday and two-hour afternoon practices twice a week.

Arriving at least an hour early, they sometimes cheer for three or more games a week, and not just football. They cheer for volleyball as well, and that's with many of the cheerleaders working jobs or being involved in other time-intensive activities like dance.

"We try to cheer at the varsity level for every home sport event," Hammit said.

Cheerleading sponsor emeritus Allen Jones still works with the squad. He said he mostly helps with run-throughs and guiding in the Permian tradition that draws many to the squad.

Which is something Kaisha said she appreciates.

"I like the tradition - we're a really close team and have lots of fun together," Kaisha said.

During Thursday's practice, Jones told cheerleaders to smile and think about finding ways to make an audience member enjoy their performance. Hammit emphasized helping to boost the mood whether winning or losing. She said she enjoys watching cheerleaders improve.

"I like seeing them nail it and get a cheer - it's great seeing their feeling of pride," Hammit said.

She has taught at Permian for five years and sponsored cheerleading at Ector Junior High in the '90s. Hammit said sponsoring cheerleading at Permian was a natural given her love of watching games since teaching there.

Squad members may prove this cheer true with the Varsity.com feature: "Get out of the way; there's only room for one - Panthers."

SQUAD MEMBERS

Seniors:

>> Adison Alvarado

>> Griffin Coody

>> Xana Dennis

>> Porsha Fobbs

>> Lauren Mussey

>> Amanda Stallcup

>> Shartanae Swearengin

Juniors:

>> Paige Bryson

>> Ashley Cagle

>> Kaylee Carlile

>> Stevie Moore

>> Randee Narre

>> Kaisha Slaughter