Our county’s cheerleaders rank among the best of the best in the state, and that was solidified with the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association (GCCA) All-State honors.

Starr’s Mill High’s Emma Hibbs was named the GCCA Cheerleader of the Year for the 1A-4A division. Hibbs will receive her award and scholarship at GHSA state finals in November. The Starr’s Mill competitive cheer team is coached by Mandy Ratliff.

Whitewater High saw Kerri Rhodes and Kyndall Frenelle selected to the GCAA All-State Team. The squad is coached by Sarah Frazier.

Macy DeBoy and Emma Bednarowski from McIntosh made the top 30 for the Cheerleader of the Year. Emma Bednarowski also went on to make the All-State Team for the 5A-7A division. The team is coached by Shannon Bednarowski.

Cheerleaders are nominated for the honor by their coaches, followed by an application, an essay, and a community recommendations portion. Contenders are narrowed to 60, who compete at Columbus State University with a performance and an interview panel.

All-State teams of 16 are picked for each division, along with a Cheerleader of the Year.