The Fort Walton Beach High School Cheer Team was recognized at the May 26th School Board meeting for an extraordinary 2026 season, highlighted by both state and national championships. The Vikings captured the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 1A Game Day State Championship, their first since 2014, outperforming a field of 24 finalists, and went on to dominate at the America’s Cheerleading Cup (ACC) Nationals at Universal Studios.
Competing against nearly 100 teams at the ACC Nationals, including programs two to three times their size, the 15-member squad won national titles in both Traditional and Game Day divisions before earning the competition’s highest honor, Game Day Grand Champion, with the top overall score. Their performance capped a remarkable year that also included regional and state titles.
The team was led by senior captains Ny’Asia Burton and Stella Swint and coached by Head Coach Kristal Duval, Competition Coach Courtney Barnes, and Assistant Coach Ashley Pritchett. Team Members included Ny’Asia Burton, Stella Swint, Zyla Caines, Madison Mccan-Vilchez, Saylor Parker, Halle Sanders, Mia Geno, Kellan Rewis, Danica-Amari Daniel, Harper Lansing-Berg, Hudson Lansing-Berg, Leila Mclanaha, Stella Moak, Alexis Reiniche, and Camille Wicks.
These achievements reflect the team’s exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence, bringing statewide and national recognition to Fort Walton Beach High School.