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Cheerleaders from Straughn High School made history this year and competed in their first-ever AHSAA State Cheerleading Championship in Birmingham on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Led by coaches Christy and Callie Carter, the Straughn Tigers finished 11th out of 28 schools in the 4A game day division.

“This competition experience has been great for our squad. We have had so much fun and learned so much through this process,” Coach Christy Carter said. “I am extremely proud of these young ladies. They spent countless hours practicing for competition all while also preparing for football games, pep rallies, basketball season, supporting volleyball, taking their high school courses, college courses, and maintaining high grade point averages.”

This year’s two captains spoke about their experiences at the competition.

“I am glad I had the opportunity to experience competing for the first time before I graduate. I am extremely proud of each and every cheerleader. It was an unforgettable memory that I will cherish deeply with the best team. I am proud to be a part of Straughn’s history as a captain of the first competing cheer squad,” senior Emiley Faith Bush said.

“This experience will forever be the greatest memory of my senior year. It’s crazy to me to think that I was a part of the first cheer team to compete for Straughn. This squad means the world to me. I am so grateful for the friendship and memories we have shared,” senior Molly Kate Mooney said.

Christy and Callie Carter, along with Captains Bush and Mooney, developed all the routines for this year’s squad. Shanda Gordon also volunteered some of her own time by helping with practices and assisting the group at the state competition.

“Many of these girls also play volleyball, basketball, and have jobs. They are all well-rounded individuals who are great ambassadors of Straughn. These young ladies are trailblazers for future Straughn cheerleaders. I’m so blessed to be a small part of this,” Christy added.