Nobody spells I-C-O-N-I-C out on the field like Faith Manzo and Mia Poovakad do. This dynamic duo is taking both their cheer careers and their friendship to the next level, with plans to continue their academic and cheer journey at Riverside City College this fall. Manzo and Poovakad first met at El Roble Intermediate, where their friendship sparked on the cheer team. Six years later, they prepare to cheer at the collegiate level-side by side.
Manzo and Poovakad both plan to attend Riverside City College for two years and transfer to a four year college afterward. Manzo is majoring in kinesiology, while Poovakad is pursuing a degree in business.The two have made their mark at CHS in unique ways: Manzo as Vice President of the senior class has tirelessly plans rallies and events for while Poovakad is invested in advanced video production, winning awards for her enrapturing films. But for the duo, being on the cheer team together has truly solidified their time at CHS, and their long-lasting friendship will continue on at Riverside City College.
“I think it’s really cool that we get to cheer for two more years together, just because we started out in seventh grade,” Poovakad said. “It just means a lot to me because we’ve been so close for so long.”
Despite their success, Manzo and Poovakad’s time at CHS has not been without challenges. In her junior year, Manzo tore her ACL, effectively pausing her high school cheer career. However, Manzo did not let her injury dwindle her passion for the sport.
“It was such an unfortunate time to have the injury during junior year,” Manzo said. “It was hard being out this whole season, it is like starting over from where you started when you first got hurt. But now getting to cheer for two more years is really exciting.”
Manzo and Poovakad would like to shout out Kori, Sophia, Paola, Nailah, their parents, their coaches, Kingston, and all their friends for supporting them throughout the years.
The duo explain that their friendship is built on knowing they will always be there for each other, whether it is to confide in one another or to support one another during a happy moment. Their friendship is rooted in growing together.Their advice for future CHS students is simple.
“Try and get involved,” Poovakad said. “It’s okay to stay in your shell sometimes, but don’t be afraid to branch out. Because I feel like that’s when you make the most memories in high school.”
