GRAHAMSVILLE – Coach Jenifer Edwards gets a lot of cheer-spam in her email – solicitations for uniforms, gear, camps – you name it, she’s gotten it. But for some reason, the email from Cheer Hawaii jumped out at her amongst the others. “I had heard of their invitational, but never thought much of it since it seemed expensive and far away.” However, that day, Coach Edwards was intrigued. She researched the organization, and did a deep dive into reviews, comments, and amazing stories of friendships forged in paradise.

So with nothing to lose, she decided to submit nominations this year and see what happened. Out of the six nominations she submitted (the maximum allowed), three of her athletes were chosen to be one of 100 at the 2025 Cheer Hawaii Invitational.

Tri-Valley seniors Abigail Ruef and Hannah Miller, and junior Rayne Edwards will head to the University of Hawaii - Honolulu in June for the 22nd Annual Cheer Hawaii Summer Invitational.

“I wasn’t surprised that our girls were chosen,” says Edwards. “They have worked so hard and have such a great attitude. All three of them have displayed leadership qualities, taken younger teammates under their wings, and worked hard to fundraise for cheer camp last summer.”

All three athletes were instrumental in helping the Tri-Valley cheer team rise from the ashes in 2022, when the competitive cheer team was revived. “We hadn’t had a competitive cheerleading team since about 2015, and to see what these young women have built in three years is inspiring,” said Edwards. This past season, they brought home 3 First Place trophies, made it to sectionals, and performed some of their most difficult stunts to date. “They are polished and confident in their skills and abilities,” said Edwards. “I’m confident that Cheer Hawaii will illuminate their talents even more.”

Cheer Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, however, it is costly at $3,000 for tuition per athlete, plus airfare. “The girls are working hard to raise the money through Gofundme campaigns and other fundraising events like a bake sale and yard sale both in April,” explained Coach Edwards. “They have all made their down payments, but they still have a way to go. “We are leaving no stone unturned, so if you’d like to be a business sponsor, give me a call!”

“We’re incredibly grateful to all of the people in our community who have donated to our Gofundme pages,” said Abby Ruef. “This is an incredible opportunity for all three of us and I’m so excited to be able to do this thanks to so many people who support us.” 

Rayne Edwards, Coach Edwards’ daughter, will be a senior next year and is looking forward to this experience building confidence and experience. “I want to learn as much as I can to share with my teammates next season,” she explained. “I’m so grateful to be able to do this, and am so grateful to all who are helping us get there!”

If you would like to help these young women get to Hawaii, they are holding a bake sale at the Neversink General Store on Friday, April 18 from 11:00 - 6:00.  A yard sale is also planned for late-April or early-May, date TBD.  All three have Gofundme pages, and can be found by searching their names at www.gofundme.com.