The Southmoreland girls varsity cheer squad took on rival Mount Pleasant’s cheer squad while their boys basketball team cheered them on during the third annual Swishes for Wishes event.

Swishes for Wishes is a charity event that occurs annually between Southmoreland and Mount Pleasant. During the event the cheer squads of the rivaling districts go head to head in a game of basketball, while the boys basketball players cheer them on from the sideline.

All the money that is raised during the event is donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation. The money that is donated is raised through admission fees, refreshments, and a Chinese auction. The grand total of this year’s event came to $5,110.25.

Not only is the event beneficial for the Make-A-Wish foundation, but it is a fun, enjoyable time for all the players, cheerleaders, and the fans. Every year, some of the varsity cheerleaders prepare a halftime routine for the boys to perform.

“I’m so proud of our basketball team for their performance. They only had about seven practices to get it down, and I think they looked great,” said senior cheerleader Keera Frye.

The purpose behind Swishes for Wishes is what makes all those that participate love the event.

“It was fun, but what made it even better was the fact that it raised money for the Make-A-Wish foundation,” said junior John Leighty.

As the event continues every year, the attendance and the money raised continues to increase, resulting is a bigger success every year.

“The best part of the event is most definitely the charitable aspect of it,” said Frye. “I love that we get to raise money so that kids can make memories when their wishes are granted while we make our own memories at the event. I look forward to it every year, and I hope it continues to be a success.”

Southmoreland’s cheerleaders won the game, 36-23.