If you listen closely during these hot summer days you can hear the sounds of state pride echo through the valleys of Black Mountain. During the week stay at the Conference On National Affairs, delegates enjoy creating chants and cheers to pass the time and display their spirit. A large number of states represented at the conference have crafted enthusiastic cheers that they project at loud volumes in the BRC dining room during the three main meals of the day. Each and every delegation has a unique personality that they add to their cheer. For instance, the state of Texas sings songs that include their state name within the lyrics. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, prefer very simple and easy cheers that incorporate pop culture and memories from different delegates’ high schools. Michael Walker and Carl Feldman, two delegates from the state of Pennsylvania, state that they draw their inspiration and include phrases from singers such as Rihanna, movies like “Remember the Titans,” and a popular television program known as “Rob & Big.” On the other hand, the state of Kentucky has a much different approach. They are known to start dance parties in almost every place they travel, creating fantastic social opportunities for the numerous teenagers attending CONA. Kentucky delegate Rex Martinez boasts of his state’s ability to create entertainment by stating, “We have a stereo, we don’t need a cheer.” Another state that is well known for producing entertainment with their cheers is the sunny state of California. Some states focus on icebreakers and games to help pass the time and assist delegates in becoming acquainted. However, California has cheers. Their spirit chants are usually very clever, witty, and funny. It has been said that “if a California cheer were a person, that person would be sexy.” Some of their cheers are parodies of well-liked songs on the radio, while others are simple call and responses. The majority of California’s cheers represent loyalty and tradition and have been used in previous years. According to Quemars “Q” Ahmed, “[California] cheers come from a much simpler time. A time before Google, a time before Facebook, a time before war, a time with no bailouts, a time way before Jon and Kate Plus Eight.” Quotes like these are prime examples of the light-heartedness of the California delegation. This delegation claims that “once you know a California cheer, you are a Californian.” During the heat infested days at the Blue Ridge Assembly, there are a number of heated debates and controversial proposals; but it is always nice to know that delegates can always take a minute to stop and yell at the top of their lungs in the name of state pride.

Tags: California, cheers, CONA, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, pride, Texas