Bernie Schools and community honor basketball team and cheerleaders during state sendoff

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The Bernie basketball team and cheerleaders left for Springfield and the final four of he state basketball tournament Thursday morning. Following a pep rally in the high school gym the team, coaches and cheerleaders were given an escort out of town by members of the Bernie Fire Department, Bernie Police Department, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department and Missouri Highway Patrol. Bernie's state semifinal game will be Friday at 6 p.m. against Putnam County.

Bernie Elementary students cheer at the pep rally.
Bernie High School principal Brad Botsch speaks at the pep rally
Bernie coach Jason Long speaks at the pep rally.
The Bernie basketball Team is introduced at the pep rally.
The Bernie basketball Team is introduced at the pep rally.
The Bernie basketball Team is introduced at the pep rally.
The Bernie basketball Team is introduced at the pep rally.
Bernie Elementary students cheer at the pep rally.
The Bernie cheerleaders are introduced.
The Bernie cheerleaders are introduced.
Bernie cheerleader Mackenzie Powell fires up the Bernie student body during the pep rally.
The Bernie cheerleaders perform.
The Bernie cheerleaders perform.
Bernie students hold up a sign at the pep rally.
Bernie Elementary students cheer at the pep rally.
Bernie Elementary students cheer at the pep rally.
Bernie Elementary students cheer at the pep rally.
The Bernie basketball team is cheered as they leave the school for the buses.
The Bernie basketball team is cheered as they leave the school for the buses.
The Bernie Band plays as the players and cheerleaders exit the school.
Bernie players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans pause for a prayer before boarding the buses.
Signs lined the bus route out of town.