Whitewater seniors Gina Palermo, Josie Taylor and Hannah Tillman were recently selected as top-16 All-State cheerleaders at the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches’ Association competition held Aug. 10 at Columbus State University.

They were nominated by their cheerleading coach Kelly Stanford. The girls competed against more than 130 other senior cheerleaders from high school programs across Georgia in the first portion of the competition based on the scholarship application which includes academics, standardized test scores and reference letters. The 40 finalists competed Aug. 10. They were judged in an interview and then presented a two-minute routine which showcased their cheering skills. The 16 All-State cheerleaders were announced on site after the completion of the competition. Photo/Special.