The Charles Henderson Middle School Cheerleading team finished in first place at the National Peanut Festival competition over the weekend.

The Trojans were one of several teams that competed in the Junior High division.

“They really worked hard, and I have to say I am really proud of them,” said cheer coach Aundrea Hawsey. “They were excited. They went out there and had sass, attitude and were very clean. All of their stunts hit and came down successful, which is a huge thing when you preform.”

After all the hard work the team has put into their routine, it was an exciting moment for Hawsey to see her team perform so well.

“It feels amazing,” Hawsey said. “With where they were at the beginning and how far they have came, I told them they were already champions and that it didn’t matter what they did at the competition. Going there and being rewarded for being the best kind of puts the cherry on top of the cake.”

The win brings the school back to its competitive roots.

“If you look at our roots, back in the late ‘80s early ‘90s Charles Henderson was going to nationals,” Hawsey said. “This is our first year going back to our roots and we want to reclaim what our program was in the past. I think coming off their first win they are really excited.”

The Trojans will head to Birmingham on December 11 to compete in the game day competition at the Southern Classic.

“I think coming off this win the excitement has tripled,” Hawsey said. “The girls are even more excited about competing. They see they that they have it. It has added to our confidence heading into the competition world.”

Members of the 2016-2017 Charles Henderson Middle School cheerleaders are Jacara Allen, Dakota Berry, Hanna Broadway, Haylee Carter, Sarah Madison Davis, Emma Earles, Mary Britton Hicks, A’Kyra Hobdy, Laney Kelley, Laney Kelley, Iyanna McLendon, Kassidy Mizell, Kaylee Mizell, Allie Scarbrough, Gracie Sneed, Micah Watson and Kennedy Williams.