Ruckel Middle School dance, cheer teams honored for championships

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Ruckel Middle School Dance and Cheerleading Teams were recognized at the March 10 Okaloosa County School Board meeting for winning state and national championships, marking an exceptional year of achievement for the student-athletes.

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The Dance Team secured the 2025 Universal Dance Association (UDA) Junior High Division Game Day State Championship, earning back-to-back titles in the division. The team also placed second in the State Junior High Division Pom and ranked among the top teams in the nation, finishing sixth in Junior High Pom and eighth in Junior High Game Day at the National Dance Team Championship.

The Cheerleading Team earned national recognition by winning the 2025 Universal Cheer Association (UCA) Large Junior High Division National Championship, demonstrating skill and dedication throughout the season.

The Ruckel Middle School Dance Team poses with certificates after being recognized by the Okaloosa County School Board for winning a state championship. — The Okaloosa County School Board recognized the Ruckel Middle School Dance Team for winning the 2025 UDA Junior High Division Game Day State Championship. (Contributed)

Recognized Team Members:

Dance Team – Coaches: Taylor Ditty and Sierra Williams
Team Members: Maia Jimenez, Reese Davis, Rayna Lopez, Olivia Labounty, Addison Canet, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Evangeline Elliott, Chesney Franklin, Eva Dobreva, Ellie Maynard, Zakaria Williamson, Elsa McCann, Savannah Hastings, Oliviah Ryals, Adelyn McDonald, Elena Boswell, Allison Bruzek, Lilyana Wight, Adriana Devan

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Cheerleading Team – Coaches: Tanya Herndon and Paige Becking
Team Members: Addison Adams, Ella Allard, Reagan Alt, Julia Bagdasarov, Sloan Baldock, Emma Ballard, Blakely Boswell, Emarie Boswell, Brooklyn Bradley, Kennedy’ Curtis, Aaliyah Dark, Kenzie Hall, Teagan Harvell, Addyson Howk, Aylin Laenen, Brynlee Lerner, Hallie Matherne, Fiona McCallen, Aubree Michaud, Linley Rainer, Willa Ross, Lily Rush, Taylor Sanders, Emma Stephens, Molly Strawn, Myla Tucker

The Okaloosa County School Board commended the teams for their dedication and teamwork, highlighting their commitment to excellence on and off the mat. The Ruckel Middle School community celebrated the students’ success, recognizing their role in bringing pride to the school and local area.