Juggling cheer practice, schoolwork, and a busy life outside the classroom, this cheerleader proves that dedication and passion can take you far, both on and off the mat. But behind all of that school spirit is one person whose dedication stretches far beyond the sidelines of the Friday night lights: Peyton Hangey.
At 17 years old, Peyton already has more than a decade of cheerleading experience. She started at just five years old for the Pennridge Green Jackets. Cheerleading began as a childhood hobby, but as evolved into a huge part of her identity. Friends, family, and teammates all describe her in the same way: outgoing, bubbly, and an overall a determined person.
Her career began when she was just 5 years old doing sideline cheer for the Pennridge Green Jackets. She then advanced to Eagles cheer, which is where they compete their routines at competitions all around surrounding areas. Although many kids try a plethora of different sports at a young age, Peyton caught onto cheerleading instantly.
“Peyton is the sweetest soul. She always has such a bright smile that radiates a room. I have never seen someone work harder at what they love than Peyton. She is my favorite cheerleader.” Says Lauren Widing, one of Hangey’s closest friends.
Now, she is the captain of the high school team, where they cheer on the sports teams during their games, and compete at various levels, including competitions in the Poconos, and even Nationals in Orlando, Florida. One of her biggest achievements was making it to semi-finals at Nationals in 2023. They earned their bid to go to nationals after an outstanding performance and first place finish in their Intermediate Non-Tumbling Varsity division at a regional competition that year. Other local teams, such as Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, placed fourth at the Nationals for their traditional routine around that time, showing a competitive environment for Eastern Pennsylvania teams.
Off of the mat, Hangey is involved in many other activities. In her free time, she likes to play pickleball, fish, go to church, travel, and coach younger girls participating in cheer. She serves the community by volunteering for her church’s Renew 45 girls group. Renew 45 is a program for fourth and fifth grade girls on Sunday mornings. She guides them in their own church environment to spend time together, build healthy relationships, and grow in their faith. In the future, Hangey plans to attend Bucks County Community College to be an ultrasound technician one day. She currently is enrolled in Pennridge’s Medical Career Academy where she assists the nurses at St. Luke’s hospital in Quakertown.
This season however, has been especially meaningful. The Pennridge cheer team gets to travel alongside the Pennridge Rams Football team as they have made it all the way to semi-finals so far this year. Additionally, they just secured first place, a division win, at their regional competition and a bid their bid to Nationals! She has also had the privilege, along side of other senior team captain, Adrianna Negron, to spend time with some little learners and do a read aloud to a classroom of first graders.
Peyton’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. In the fall of their 2023 season, her sophomore year, she suffered from breaking her back. This had her out for six months. For an athlete who had spent her whole life in motion, being forced to rest was emotionally draining. Physical therapy became her new routine, replacing students, tumbling, and chanting, but she approached recovery with the same determination she brings to every practice. That perseverance paid off. A few months later, Hangey returned stronger, more disciplined, and more grateful than ever to be back on the mat.
For now, as the football team continues their winning streak, and their competition season arises, the community will keep seeing Hangey front and center at games and school events. Bow in her hair, smile on her face, and the same enthusiasm she brought to her youth team more than a decade ago.
