The presentation took place in front of a flowering crab apple tree and plaque given by friends in memory of Shible. The tree was moved for the school renovation but is now flourishing in the courtyard at Mt. Blue Campus.

Shible died of bacterial meningitis on Memorial Day in 1997,  just days before the end of her junior year at Mt. Blue High School. She was 17 years old.  She was also a three-year varsity cheerleader and co-captain, Steve Shible said.

Each year since, the Shibles have given a $500 scholarship in her memory to a graduating cheerleader.

“It is a solemn occasion for me and my wife,” Shible said as he made the presentation.

He acknowledged that his daughter’s contributions to cheerleading and Mt. Blue are still being made as the scholarship is given in her name for the 19th year.

“You are the 31st recipient,” he told Macomber. “There were five applications, but Chelse was the most outstanding applicant.”

The scholarship is given to someone who displays traits of leadership, energy and enthusiasm and brings these to the team as Jamie did, he said. 

The scholarships are given to cheerleaders because of Jamie’s dedication to the sport. Some years only one has been given out but other years there have been up to three.

Shible presented Macomber with a plaque, which will bear her name along with other recipients. It will hang in the school, he said.

He also gave her a video featuring Jamie, sunflowers and a $50 check to spend as she chooses. The remainder of the scholarship will be given after her first semester of college, he said.

Macomber, daughter of Ryan and Sabrina Macomber of Wilton, was excited to receive the acknowledgement.

“I almost cried,” she said afterward. “I set goals for cheerleading. This is my last goal and I got it.”

Macomber plans to attend Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Va., this fall to study hospitality management and journalism.