Add another state championship to the Paducah trophy treasury. Competing in the first ever U.I.L. state cheerleading championship, the Paducah Dragon cheerleading squad brought home the gold medal.  The crew arrived home on Thursday to a fire department and police escort and a very enthusiastic reception by the entire school and much of the community.

     Throughout the day on Wednesday, students were allowed to watch the cheerleaders perform at their appointed times. The student body watched the squad's performance from Arlington via a live streaming internet feed which was shown on the large screen in the auditorium.   The preliminary performance included a fight song routine, band dance and a crowd leading cheer. The squad was in the lead as it made the finals, later in the day. For the finals the cheerleaders performed all three routines plus a chant. The Dragon cheerleaders won the fight song portion of the competition, as well as the crowd leading cheer portion. They came in third place for the band dance portion of their routine. These high scores put them far ahead of their competition, clinching the championship.  The squad was awarded plaques for their performance wins and a trophy for the overall championship. Each cheerleader, the mascot and each cheer coach also received a gold medal. 

      “What an awesome experience and what a wonderful group of girls to experience it with. We worked hard, and it paid off. We are so proud to be a part of this community and to have received all the love and support we did. Thank Paducah! I am very proud to be called a Dragon!” Cheerleading sponsor Carrie Smith said.

     The Paducah Cheerleading squad is comprised of senior Kristyn Deaton, senior Ali Smith, senior Hailey Wright, junior Madison Beck, freshman Haley Hutchinson, freshman Marley Beck, freshman Kyanna Hurd. Freshman Caylin Flemons is the mascot and Leslie Hutchinson and Carrie Smith coached the squad. 

     Congratulations, ladies! It's a great day to be a Dragon!