Tribune editorial staff

Too often, the success of our high school athletic teams are lauded, but the success of those who work just as hard goes unnoticed.

High school cheerleaders practice just as much to prepare for the big game, but their names do not appear in the box score the next morning. All one has to do is take the time to watch their skilled performances to realize that these young women are, indeed, athletes.

Ironton High School's cheerleaders brought their sport to the forefront over the weekend by winning the grand champion award in the small varsity non-mount division at the Cheerleaders of America competition in Orlando, Fla. The team earned the right to attend the national competition when they took home the award at the Back to School Blast in Columbus last fall. However, these young women were not satisfied with just being there: they went to compete.

And compete they did. They beat five other teams to win their division on Friday, which put them in the grand champion finals, competing against 150 other teams from throughout the country.

By winning the grand champion award, the cheerleaders earned $5,000 in prize money and each received a leather jacket. More than that, though, they earned the respect of many people in not only Ironton, but all across Lawrence County.

Congratulations to all of the IHS cheerleaders, who are Mandy McClellan and Fhara Markel, captains; Kaycie Culbertson and Leah Conley, seniors; Megan Crockrel and Katie Harper, juniors; Mallory Hurley, Lissa Hensley and Katie Washburn, sophomores; and Madison McDaniels, Lindsey Mooney and Kayla Brislin, freshmen. Each and every one of you deserve a great big pat on the back.

We know you represented your school and your community with dignity. We are extremely proud of your accomplishment. Being recognized on a national level is a high honor: one inspiring great pride.