The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Cheer Earns Congressional Honors
10/29/2008 | Athletics
Hoppert and Zepponi received the awards in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community. Their certificates were also accompanied by a letter from Congressman Cohen thanking them for their outstanding community service.
A story written by Memphis native Steve O'Dell that appeared in Memphis Sport's Rebel Yell blog is what spurred the award from Congressman Cohen.
"The story talked about him going to an Ole Miss game and how nice the girls were," said Hoppert. "His daughter had gotten a picture with the cheerleaders, and he just thought it was so nice to see young people willing to go above and beyond with the fans."
Hoppert's teams do much more than just cheer on the sidelines. The cheerleaders and Rebelettes are very active in the community and are involved with several worthwhile causes.
"A lot of what we do goes unnoticed," said Hoppert. "It is so encouraging that someone recognized those things, especially a congressman."
Hoppert, a Missouri graduate, is in her third year as Spirit Coordinator at Ole Miss. She directed the cheerleaders to a 14th place finish at the UCA College National Championships last year in what was the Rebels' first national competition in over 15 years.
Zepponi is a senior Business major, and was recently selected by Athlon Sports to represent not only Ole Miss, but the Southeastern Conference in the Sideline Spirit Contest.