WARDEN — The Warden Cougars cheerleading squad returned to the Columbia Basin after participating in the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) camp last month with top honors.

The AWSP recognized the Warden squad for their leadership skills, teamwork, and sensitivity. Warden was also recognized for their skills in creating and performing cheerleading stunts.

Auburn Elementary School principal and camp advisor Tim Carstens said the Cougars set an example at the conference.

“This is exactly the way we want our young people to be,” he said.

The Cougars earned cheer pins throughout the conference for leadership and received marks for cheering each of the four days at the camp and Carstens said the Cougars are a credit to the school and the city.

“Warden needs to know what great representatives these girls are for the community,” he said.

In addition to earning daily awards, the Cougars brought home the camp’s highest honor — the Spirit Stick.

The Spirit Stick is awarded by the National Cheer Association and is considered to be the top honor among cheerleaders.

The Warden Cougar cheerleading squad is coached by Anne Bowers and Robin Gibson and the team members are Jordan Dinsmoor, Michelle Gonzales, Genesis Gonzalez, Kaycie Kimble, Becky Martinez, Cynthia Martinez, Andrea Pruneda, and Graciela Vela.