The Sheridan High School competitive cheerleading team placed first in the 6A Division at the 2015 State Cheer Championship in Hot Springs held Dec.19.

This is the team's 2nd State Championship in three years. Over the last four years the team has acquired an impressive record at State Competition. They placed as the State Runner-Up in 2012, State Champions in 2013, State Runner-Up in 2014, and State Champions in 2015.

"I am so proud of this team," said Senior High Cheer Coach Dana Morton. "We overcame many obstacles this year -- from season-ending injuries that required routine changes, to learning a new routine, which included four skilled freshmen. It was an indescribable feeling to see them pull together and perform the best routine of the year."

The cheer team is a talented and highly-competitive group. Just this year, the team won the 6A Division and Grand Championship at the Benton Cheer Competition; the 6A Division at the Lake Hamilton Competition; and the 6A Division and Grand Championship at the Ouachita Baptist University Competition.

"SHS Cheer is an outstanding group of student athletes," said Sheridan School District Athletic Director Matt Scarbrough. "The number of hours they put into their sport and the level of dedication shown is second to none. I could not be more proud of this group of athletes."

The SHS Cheer Team is led by Coach Morton and Jennie Michael, who volunteers her time to help coach. According to Coach Morton, the team also receives much support from the team's parents, their choreographer, Mark Bishop, and district administrators.

SHS Cheer Team:

SENIORS:

Captain: Danielle Fleming, Co-Captain: Sarah Michael, Sarah Handloser, Jhonna Benning

JUNIORS:

Brynn Bowlin, Savanna Crane, Tobi Finley, Haley Morton, Brooke Roberts, Lauren Williams, manager: Makenzie Pumphrey

SOPHOMORES:

Sydni Crisalli, Anna Handloser, Madison Holloway, Kaylee Knox, JuJu Martin, Parker Minick, Nicole Tompkins

FRESHMEN:

Claudia Benning, Lily Johnson, Nicole Lea, Laura Workman

2015 State Cheer Leading Champions