By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

Montevallo High School is justifiably proud of its Varsity cheerleaders who recently participated in the Universal Cheerleading Association competition at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and came away with multiple wins.

Jordan Pritchett, coach of the team, explained that the girls had prepared a dance for competition on the first night, and they placed 2nd in that competition.

On the Game Day, the squad competed in four categories with new material, and they placed in three of the categories. They took 1st place in defense sideline, 2nd in cheer, and 2nd in overall Game Day (a combination of cheer, sideline, and band dance).

Two of the MHS squad members were named All-American Cheerleaders: junior Jill Brantley and sophomore Emma Jones.

Myranda Wills, the team captain admitted, “I’m so proud to see what we accomplished. I feel that every girl gave 110 percent, and really worked hard. I must say that I am proud of my squad and I think we did an amazing job at camp.” She added that being a high school cheerleader is a true lifetime experience, and that she is so happy to be named captain, and more than honored to represent these wonderful girls.

Cheerleader Destyni Peoples explained that she loves everything about cheerleading, and that she is really blessed to be with such a great team who work so well together.

Coach Pritchett said, “I enjoy working with these young ladies very much. Since our Varsity squad is 9th – 12th grade, I get the girls during the spring of their 8th grade year, and it’s a joy to watch them grow and mature through their high school years.”

This fall Pritchett will begin her fourth year at MHS teaching 9th-grade history, and her third year working with the cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders are very excited about the upcoming football and basketball seasons, and are looking forward to that first football game, a home game, on August 30.

Bulldog Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, at noon. There will be a scrimmage, and an opportunity to meet the coaches, players, and these energetic cheerleaders.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.