Blood. Sweat. Tears.

It is hard work being on the McKinley cheerleading team. The cheerleaders practice hard everyday. On odd days they practice from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on even days they practice from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. They put so much time doing what they love, but sometimes it can be dangerous.

Janelle Lactaoen has recently injured her right knee from wrongly landing a jump. Lactaoen said this has affected her cheerleading because “you can only do certain things” during practices and performances. She has to sit out most of the time due to the pain. But that does not stop Lactaoen from pushing through and continuing to do her best.

Cheerleading may be hard work and a bit dangerous at times, but in the end it is worth it all.

“You work together to become a team or family and just do everything together,” Lactaoen said.