Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Erin Hassell

The Foundation Academy cheerleading team had a strong weekend earlier this month at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders National competition, placing third overall and first in tumbling. Not only that, but junior cheerleader Erin Hassell — who has been with the cheerleading program for nearly a decade — was recognized with the FCC’s Scholar Cheerleader Award.

What was it like when you found you would be recognized by the FCC?

I was excited when they told me — I was a little surprised.

What’s your mentality toward doing well in school?

Doing well in school: That’s setting you up well for your future and college — whatever you want to do.

How long have you been involved in cheerleading?

I have been cheering since second grade, I believe. I just love the sport. 

What do you enjoy about sideline cheerleading and competition cheer?

I love doing both. To be on the sidelines is great, cheering on the football team and cheering to the crowd. But then it’s also great to being on the mat with our team — I love doing it.

Which teammate is the funniest?

I don’t know — they’re all really funny. We’re always laughing. 

Having been at Foundation Academy for more than a decade, what do you enjoy about attending the school?

I love the school — every single teacher is amazing and there is always someone you can talk to. They all care about what’s going on, and they want you to do well.

What’s your favorite class at Foundation Academy?

Portfolio art class is my favorite. I want to go into interior design and our teacher (Mary Ellen Murray) is amazing.

How did you decide you were interested in interior design?

When I was younger, I wanted to do fashion design. And then, over time, I loved decorating, and I wanted to change to interior design.

What is your favorite show?

I watch a lot of older shows. I love “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Andy Griffith Show.”

How did you get into older shows such as those?

We’ve always watched older shows. We watch newer stuff, too, but we’re always watching older shows. They’re all funny, and when you watch them, a lot of times, it’ll teach you something.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I want to visit Australia.

What’s your favorite kind of family time?

On Saturdays, we like to go to Universal, or we’ll find something to do around here.

Do you know what you will be looking for in a college?

A good interior design program, because that’s what I want to do. Small student body.