Senate 53

SENATE RESOLUTION 53

(By Senator Charnock)

[Introduced February 26, 2026]

Congratulating the George Washington High School Cheerleading team on earning third place in the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Division II National High School Cheerleading Championship.

Whereas, On December 6, 2025, the George Washington High School Cheerleading team traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, to compete in the UCA Smoky Mountain Championship with their "Traditional" routine. The team placed first as the Regional Division winner and earned an additional bid for the UCA Division II National High School Cheerleading Championship in the "Traditional" Division; and

Whereas, The UCA Division II National High School Cheerleading Championship was held January 30 through February 1, 2026, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The George Washington High School Cheerleaders competed in both the "Game Day" and "Traditional" Divisions; The team was elated to achieve a third-place national finish with their routine in the "Traditional" Division; and

Whereas, This landmark achievement signifies a historic milestone: The first time a West Virginia High School Cheer team has competed in the "Traditional" Division at the national level, and further marking the first time a West Virginia High School Cheer team has earned a medal at this prestigious event; and

Whereas, Members of the George Washington High School Cheer team are Terynn Miller, Captain, Senior; Kaylyn White, Captain, Senior; Kate Adkins, Senior; Sarah Curry, Senior; Maggie Hill, Senior; Ariana Anderson, Junior; Isabella Ayres, Junior; Annabella Grigoraci, Junior; Vivian Kime, Junior; Ava Mullett, Junior; Brooklyn Trigg, Junior; Elizabeth Burton, Sophomore; McKenna Byrd, Sophomore; Laila Gaines, Sophomore; Victoria Hammond, Sophomore; Lariah Jackson, Sophomore; Ava Robertson, Sophomore; Madilyn Atkins, Freshman; Mollie Hill, Freshman; Keilah Johnson, Freshman; and

Whereas, The success of the team reflects the dedication, leadership, and commitment of its coaching staff, including Head Coach Lori Davis, Assistant Coach Kenyatta Grant, and Assistant Coach Lindsey Atkins; and

Whereas, High School Cheerleading has evolved far beyond the sidelines, transforming into a rigorous, high-stakes athletic discipline that demands exceptional physical strength, precision, and mental toughness. Often serving as the heartbeat of school spirit, cheerleaders bridge the gap between the student body and the athletic department, fostering a sense of community and pride. Beyond the high-energy routines, tumbling skills and acrobatic stunts, participation in the sport offers a unique environment for student-athletes to cultivate essential life skills. From the discipline required for synchronized performance to the resilience built through competitive pressure, cheerleading provides a comprehensive foundation for personal growth and academic success; and

Whereas, For every student-athlete, the ultimate ambition is to showcase their talent on the state or national stage. The Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) is the world's largest cheerleading company, focusing on combining high-level skills with traditional crowd-leading, school spirit, and entertainment. UCA is known for hosting prestigious competitions, including the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC); therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby congratulates the George Washington High School Cheerleading team on earning third place in the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Division II National High School Cheerleading Championship; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Head Coach Lori Davis of George Washington High School.