Shown, from left to right, are seated, Karen Lockhart, mother; Rachel Lockhart; and Derek Waugh, DS athletic director; standing, Jasmine Richardson from Rome High and Tessa Lawson of Northwest Whitfield High, Dalton State Cheer Team; Grant McCarley, boyfriend; Ricky Lawson, father; Robyn Newell, DS Cheer coach; and Kandi Adams, Dalton State Cheer dean.
Rachel Lockhart has participated in a competitive cheer program for most of her life. The Armuchee High School senior has committed to continue her passion at Dalton State.
Lockhart has competed with the Hot Shot All Stars for the past 10 years. She has lettered in competitive cheer, and spirit cheer for football and basketball during each of her high school years. She says the new Roadrunner cheer program is the main reason she will attend Dalton State.
DS Coach Robin Newell said she has been impressed with Lockhart’s talents and experience. “The first thing I noticed about Rachel as an athlete was her power tumbling,” Newell said. “Her skills were high level. Over the years she has collected a lot of experience in competitive cheer as well as spirit cheerleading.”
Rachel is the daughter of Karen and Rick Lockhart. She plans to major in nursing. She is the 14th Roadrunner cheer participant to sign. A signing party was held Friday at the Dalton Depot restaurant. All of the first members were announced during a group event in February.