Georgia Northwestern presented the Saddle Ridge Middle School with a donation Monday to benefit the Walker County Schools’ cheerleading program. Pictured front row, from left, are Georgia Northwestern Athletic Director David Stephenson, Georgia Northwestern Cats Cheer Coach Karen Stoker, Saddle Ridge Middle School Cheerleading Coaches Stephanie Walker, Laura Belue, and Kimberly Lawrence, and Saddle Ridge Middle School Prinicipal Wendy Ingram. The Saddle Ridge Middle School Mustang Cheerleaders lined the staircase behind the presentation
After serving as the host site for the First Annual Georgia Northwestern Cats Cheer Extravaganza held Sept. 23, the recently-opened Saddle Ridge Middle School received a cash donation from Georgia Northwestern Technical College Monday.
Organized in part by the college’s cheerleading staff and squad, the fall cheer event was the first of its kind in the area showcasing the talent of all youth age groups from across Northwest Georgia. The college’s Cats Cheer program is in its pilot season at the Technical College System of Georgia institute.
Georgia Northwestern Athletic Director David Stephenson and Georgia Northwestern Cats Cheer Coach Karen Stoker presented the Mustang Cheerleading Program with more than $200 as a result of proceeds generated by the event.
During the first season, the Cats Cheer squad will be joining the Bobcats Men's and Women's NJCAA Basketball teams and cheering during their contests at pre-determined games in the region. The athletes are also preparing for a possible competitive run beginning in the 2014 season.
The plans are for the team to be competing within the National Cheerleading Association, a national organization that is comprised of college competition cheer programs from around the country.