SPIRITED FANS WILL GET CHANCE TO ROOT FOR FAVORITE CHEERLEADERS.

Byline: Joanne Crawford Education Columnist

LANCASTER - Local high school and junior high school cheerleaders will compete Feb. 2 at Antelope Valley College.

The event is open to the public and tickets are $1 for spectators 11 and older. Children under 11 will be admitted free.

The event is tentatively scheduled to start at noon in the gymnasium at the college, 3041 W. Ave. K.

``What is so great about it is that (the cheerleaders) get to perform locally for all the other squads in the area,'' said college cheerleading coach Donna Horn. ``It is a local competition that parents can come to watch instead of traveling to, say, Magic Mountain or Disneyland and paying a large entry fee to get into the park. This is right here in town.

``It is always very well attended by all the supportive, spirited fans. The girls - and some guys - really like to (strive to) become known as the best squad in the valley. It is real important to them and this is where they test it and put it on the line.''

Schools who win at the local contest go on to other Southern California competitions.

``It's a great show for anybody to come and watch,'' she said. ``It's real exciting. The skills, the talent up here is wonderful and it's a great opportunity to come see the local talent.''

The competition will be judged by state- and nationally recognized cheerleading association judges, Horn said. Each squad must perform at least one cheer, which must include dancing to music and stunt work in a 2-1/2-minute routine.

PALMDALE - Palmdale High School Falcon Band Boosters have holiday fruitcakes for sale.

The popular cakes from the Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas, are $9 for a 1-pound cake and $15 for a 2-pound cake, publicity chairman Mark Rees said.

Orders will be taken throughout January. Anyone interested can call Rees at [phone].

Proceeds from the cake sale go to offset band competition expenses.

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley College is hosting a course in personal development starting Jan. 27.

Classes in ``Human Development 5'' are scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays or 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the college, 3041 W. Ave. K.

``The course is designed to facilitate personal growth, interpersonal effectiveness and increased understanding of self and others,'' college public relations director Steve Standerfer said. ``It includes confidence building, communication skills, assertiveness training and group interaction.''

Registration continues through Jan. 17 at the Student Services Center. A second walk-in registration will be held Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 in the center.