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The Andalusia High School JV (AHS JV) cheerleaders traveled to Troy University July 6-9 for the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) camp and came home with three first-place awards.

While there, they also learned cheers, sidelines, dances, new stunts, pyramids, and leadership skills.

Each day they were evaluated on something they learned that day and received superior ribbons. They also received the spirit stick each day while at camp and on Friday brought home the TOP BANANA. The Top Banana is awarded to the teams at camp that demonstrate qualities of leadership, spirit, and the overall ability to work hard while still having a blast!

Six of the girls also made UCA All- American Cheerleader. Each girl had to perform a jump, cheer, and dance for the UCA staff to judge.

The All-Americans are Reaghan Curry, MaKaylin Howard, Natalie McGlamory, Keaton Spears, and Reagan Stacey.

Two of the girls, MaKaylin Howard and Marley Mullins, were finalists in the Jump-Off Competition. Marley Mullins won the Jump-Off Competition.

Four of the girls received the Pin It Forward Award. Keaton Spears was pinned by a UCA staff member and Reagan Curry, Marley Mullins, and Addison Brown were pinned by a fellow cheerleader.

Pin it forward is one of the special duties of a staffer to recognize a camper for a quality that has made them stand out. The unique moment of pinning it forward is that the staff can personally award at any time throughout the camp and for any reason. Some qualities which we strive to seek out include: stepping up to be a leader by setting a good example for their peers, including members of other teams.

The last day brought the competition. They competed in the extreme routine and game day events. The AHS JV squad took first place in “Game Day Cheer” and were named “Game Day Champs” and “UCA Camp Champs.”

“I am so excited and beyond proud of the growth of the AHS JV Cheer program over the course of the three years,” said head coach Yvette Akridge said. “It has been an honor to be able to lead these student-athletes, both on and off the field. We are coming off an amazing performance at UCA Camp and we can’t wait to get back on the field to cheer on our Bulldogs. Here’s to another amazing year, Go Bulldogs!”