“I feel like I got to know Liz Beth very well,” said senior Marlee Holmes. “I’m the only one left on the squad who got to cheer with her, and she was a junior when she became a cheerleader and worked hard. It feel good to be one to represent her, just knowing what she could’ve done with her life, it’s a lot.”
The idea of a cheer scholarship in memory of Liz Beth Medina came together in 2024, and established by the Edna High School class of 1983. The initiative brought the class closer together, and gave them a great reason to give back to their hometown and alma mater by creating a legacy for Liz Beth, whom they consider one of their own.
This year all 21 cheerleaders, including Howdy, the high school mascot, received a portion of scholarship money. Liz Beth’s mother, Jackie, took the time to hand an envelope to each cheerleader before the kickoff of last Friday’s football game.
“It was really nice receiving from Jackie, and it was thoughtful,” senior Marlee Guthrie said. “I know that’s what Liz Beth would’ve wanted.”
Though Liz Beth Medina was on the junior varsity squad, during football playoffs she cheered behind the varsity squad, and got to know the girls very well.
Senior Marianna Ackley said Liz Beth was a hard worker and very dedicated to cheer. “I remember when she first wanted to try out she texted me to ask what she could to do be on one of the squads. Cheering with her at the Jourdanton game with her in Victoria, I called her my hype woman because we were always making faces together,” she recalled.
Co-captains Emrie Bazan and Kelly Laredo find the honor to push them to be a better team because of Liz Beth, the same way she did while she was alive.
“Even though we didn’t make it to competition season, we began practicing in December, and Liz Beth had so much drive,” Laredo said. “If she saw a mistake on the sign she was fixing it, so it’s good to be able to lead the team in the way she would’ve wanted.”
Bazan said even though the two were on different squads, losing her reminded all of them of what being a cheerleader is.
“We have a drive to get closer to the JV team, because a name is only going to be a title for so long, and I feel like the girls are more of a team than a title,” Bazan said. “So living up to the honor of Liz Beth, she was a great cheerleader, and we should honor her.”
The purpose of the scholarship is to ensure Liz Beth’s life and cheer participation are not forgotten, and to help students have the chance to participate in the cheer team experience without cost deterring them.
Senior Emma Quinones said she is proud to be a recipient of the scholarship. “It feels great, Liz Beth was a hard worker and she showed it every single time.”
Senior Marlee Guthrie had the same sentiment. “This is an honor because I’m leading the school with the other cheerleaders, and I’m showing a lot of pride and trying to cheer on my teams that represent the school and our town.”
