Becca, who has made the Advanced Small Coed Cheer Team, is attending Montclair State University where she will be majoring in Criminal Justice.

Becca Desmond is a senior at John F. Kennedy High School. As a dedicated varsity cheerleader, she has earned multiple awards, including the Most Improved Player as well as the Sportsmanship awards. Becca’s leadership and commitment to excellence have led her to be accepted as an NCA staff member. In addition to her cheerleading achievements, she is an active member of the Heroes and Cool Kids program and the SPTS (Society of Prevention of Teen Suicide). Becca’s vibrant spirit and dedication have made her a big part of the JFKMHS community. 

What’s one moment that you think defines who you are today?

Becca: Joining the competition cheer team for my senior year. I think that kind of gave me a little bit more of a push to continue to compete for college.

If you could have a conversation with your future self ten years from now, what would you ask them?

I would ask if I became an FBI agent and if I pursued that career.

Is there a funny or unexpected backstage moment from cheerleading that still makes you laugh to this day?

Probably when we were doing a pyramid, and then Nely [Janelys Henriquez] was trying to do a backflip, I believe, and she just went straight down. 

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen about making the most of their high school experience, what would it be?

I would say to just become friends with a good group of people, and you know, join clubs and do sports. Get yourself out there, and then just take it from there.

What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced during high school, and how did you overcome it?

So, I’m taking psych right now as an elective, and I went into the class and I was thinking, I know this is gonna be hard, it’s an elective you know but know, that was not the case here! It’s real hard… literally, I’m up every night doing psych work for like three hours. No, It’s fun, but it’s a lot of work, and you have to be able to lock in for that work. 

If you could plan the ultimate senior prank (that wouldn’t get anyone in trouble), what would it be?

I think we [would] fill the classrooms with sparkles and confetti. 

That sounds so fun! Can you share a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone? How did it shape you?

When I have to present. ..I hate talking in front of a bunch of people. It’s not my thing. But after taking classes… you kind of just get used to it. So, now I just feel more comfortable with talking out loud and sharing my opinion with other people.

I agree. What was your favorite class in high school? What made it special? 

I’m gonna say forensics because it’s associated with what I would wanna do in the future. The teacher made this class special for me because she made things so easy to understand and pushed me to pursue a career in the FBI. Very Fun Class. Mrs.Fig [Figueroa]. Best teacher. 

How has being a varsity cheerleader influenced your leadership skills and your perspective on teamwork? Do you plan to continue with it in the future?

Joining the competition team, I feel like I can work better with people from being on the team, and then I make friends easier that way. You know, you bring them in especially if they’re underclassmen.

 I love that! Now, this is the final question.: How do you hope to be remembered by your classmates and teachers after you graduate?

I hope my teachers think of me as someone who was always smiling and bubbly, and always willing to help them out. I hope my classmates remember me because of my personality, or by my tumbling in cheer.