Mepham’s varsity cheer team has a driving force for the Pirates. I had the opportunity to interview one of the team members, Abby McCarthy. Abby is a senior and has been on the varsity cheer team for four years.

One reason why Abby McCarthy loves to be on the varsity cheer team is because of its victory in the 2022 regional championships, with over 22 teams competing. Along with Grace Pantelis (Class of ‘24), McCarthy received second team honors by Newsday in its list of All-Long Island Cheerleading Team 2024. The team works hard, shows its school spirit, listens to the coach and does whatever they  need to do to be successful. 

The cheer team is led by Merrick Avenue Middle School teacher Ms. Yunker who was a student here at Mepham and a varsity cheerleader. At the age of 22, Ms. Yunker decided to coach the Mepham varsity cheer team. She has coached the Mepham varsity cheer team for 11 years. According to Ms. Yunker, “This year our team is headed back to Nationals in Orlando, Florida, bringing the same drive, dedication, and spirit that earned us a top 10 finish out of 87 teams last year. After months of hard work, countless practices and unbreakable teamwork, we are ready to take the mat once again and give it everything we’ve got. Our goal is clear: to build on last year’s success and push ourselves even further. No matter where we land, we know we’ll make our mark- together.”

The dedication of the team as well as the coaching staff has proved time and time again that teamwork and perseverance will lead to great success.