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Argenta Oreana Youth Cheerleading

(AOYC)

Argenta Oreana Youth Cheerleading is a youth cheer program based in the Argenta-Oreana School District community in Illinois. Established in 2024, the program was created to give local kids the opportunity to cheer alongside the JFL (Junior Football League) teams, represent their community, and build school spirit from an early age. After the success of the first football season, we proudly expanded to include basketball as well, which now gives young athletes in our community another sports option during the winter months.

In just one year, our program nearly doubled in size, and we're thrilled to be welcoming 59 cheerleaders to the 2025 Football Season!

Our mission is to build strong, confident athletes by fostering discipline, teamwork, and resilience through the sport of cheerleading. We are dedicated to empowering young athletes to lead with courage, embrace their strength, and develop the skills that will serve them both on and off the field.

“Strong Bodies. Fierce Voices.”

We cheer loud, train hard, and rise together—building athletes who lead with strength, confidence, and BOMBER pride!

Meet the Leadership

Melissa Cotton

Board President, Administrative Lead, & Coach (Football & Basketball)

Melissa is the organizational powerhouse behind AO Youth Cheer. She keeps the day-to-day operations running smoothly, handling everything from sign-ups to uniforms to fundraising and everything in between. Melissa works as a Senior Compliance Analyst at ADM, and when she's not working or cheering, she's busy with her three kids: Riley (8), and twins Luke and Liam (4).

Photo Coming Soon!!!!

Open Position

Vice President & Coach

Please email AOYouthCheerleading@gmail.com if interested in joining our team!!!

Allison Houck

Board Secretary & Coach

My name is Allison, and I am excited for the role of Secretary on the Youth Cheer Board. As a full‑time working parent with a middle‑school son and a three‑year‑old daughter, I would like to see the long‐term success of this program. I want to help ensure it remains strong, organized, and sustainable so that my daughter—and all future athletes—can benefit from it for years to come. In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am currently pursuing my education to become a veterinary nurse, and I view this opportunity as a meaningful way to contribute to our community while balancing a very full life. I am committed to bringing reliability, clear communication, and steady follow‑through to the board.

Sarah Atkins

Photo Coming Soon!!!!

Sarah Atkins

Board Treasurer & Coach

Details Coming Soon!!!

Hayley Wessler

Cheer Tech + Photo Lead

Hayley jumped in last year as our unofficial team photographer, capturing the energy and heart of our cheerleaders and football players all season long. This year, she’s gone full tech mode—helping build and launch the AO Youth Cheer and JFL websites to make things easier for parents, coaches, and volunteers.

We are organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

As a nonprofit, all funds raised go directly toward program expenses such as uniforms, equipment, training, and scholarships for our participants. Our Board of Directors and volunteers oversee operations in accordance with nonprofit governance requirements, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.

Disclosure: Contributions made to Argenta Oreana Youth Cheerleading are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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