Ravenwood Student Selected for All-State Cheerleading Squad

ellie marquardt

Ravenwood Senior, Ellie Marquardt,  was recently selected to be a part of the 2014-2015 Tennessee Cheerleading Coaches Association (TCCA) All-State cheerleading squad.

This is the first time a student from Ravenwood High School has been selected to be on the elite All-State squad.

To be selected for the Tennessee All-State squad, athletes are judged primarily on cheer and dance skills. An athlete’s dedication to excellence in academics and commitment to community service is taken into consideration as well. The All-State evaluation also includes a coach’s recommendation, an essay, and an in-person interview.

Ellie is a true student-athlete–she is an AP Scholar with Distinction (achieved by less than 4% of current Tennessee seniors who have taken an AP test) and is regularly on Ravenwood’s Principal’s list.  She has performed over 600 hours of community service to her community. Ellie even created and instituted a program in 2011 that is held each summer at the Martha O’Bryan Center in Nashville for the disadvantaged girls of Cayce Place that helps develop self-esteem and self-control.

Ellie was nominated by her coach Stephanie Dykes. “Ellie is an exceptional cheerleader. Not only are her technical skills superb, she also has contagious enthusiasm and positive school spirit as she leads the student body at games.  Ellie has also excelled in our newly installed co-ed stunting, which is also a first for Ravenwood.  Ellie is really a true stand-out,” said Coach Dyke.

Ellie was also selected as a finalist for the 2014-2015 TCCA Tennessee Cheerleader of the Year.  The athlete named as Cheerleader of the Year will be announced in November at the 2014 TSSAA State Cheerleading Championships.  The 20 member 2014-2015 All-State squad will receive formal recognition for their accomplishments at the State Cheerleading Championships.