For ROJH cheerleaders, their practice, hard work, and dedication paid off when they took home first place in their division at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Nationals on Jan. 25.

At the competition, the cheerleaders had to perform a competition routine, a cheer, and stunts to a pyramid, along with a dance.

“The competition was hard,” ROJH cheer coach Angela Codd said. “As a team we faced a lot, but in the end, we came together and got the win. I knew some of the girls were nervous, and I had to show them that I had confidence in them and that as long as we were a team, we could do it.”

The cheerleaders were full of suspense as they waited for the awards to be announced. Even though they did their very best, the other schools they competed against put up a good fight as well.

When they weren’t called in second or third place, they knew they had a fair chance of taking first place. Then, they were announced as level champions.

“As a coach, the win made me feel that what I have taught these amazing girls has definitely paid off and it felt good to see them do their very best,” Codd said.

One of the easiest parts of the competition for the cheerleaders was the ending of their routine. The girls knew that they tried their best and that they did well.

“I could tell that the girls had confidence in themselves,” Codd said.

The road to the competition had its ups and downs. However, the girls worked their issues out and became one of the strongest teams to take the floor.

“I’m so happy to be a part of this awesome team,” Jade Redwine said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to have this win with anyone else but them.”

The girls’ win was very emotional, as tears of joy were shed by the team.

“We as cheerleaders support every team in this building,” Codd said. “When we won something for our hard work, it was very refreshing and sweet to hear from other teams and students congratulating us on our win and all of our hard work.”