James Clemens cheerleaders
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

MADISON — Cheerleaders from James Clemens High School definitely have a reason to cheer.

The Jets Cheerleaders won in first place at the National High School Cheerleaders Championship (NHSCC) in Orlando on Feb. 9.

“This (win) is an especially outstanding achievement in that it is only the second year of James Clemens’ existence,” principal Dr. Brian Clayton said. “We are very proud of them. Go Jets.”

James Clemens Assistant Principal Carmen Buchanan formerly coached a cheerleading squad. “I know how much work the coaches and cheerleaders put in throughout the year,” Buchanan said.

Coached by Andrea Alexander, the cheerleading squad competed against 29 other teams in Super Varsity Division II during the semifinals. The Madison girls emerged first in finals among 15 teams. James Clemens placed fourth in the NHSCC finals last year.

Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler congratulated the cheerleaders for their win. “It is a reflection of their hard work, dedication of their coaches and support from family and friends,” Fowler said.

The cheerleaders will fly to Huntsville International Airport on Feb. 10 and return to the James Clemens campus around 7:30 p.m. Buchanan and other staff are organizing a ‘welcome home’ rally when the cheerleaders’ bus arrives in James Clemens’ north parking lot (weather permitting).

Cheerleaders from Bob Jones high and Liberty and Discovery middle schools also competed in Orlando. The Bob Jones Varsity Cheerleaders placed sixth in the Medium Varsity Division 1 category. The Junior Varsity Cheerleaders placed second in the Small Junior Varsity division.

The Bob Jones Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders claimed the state cheerleading title in fall 2013.

Discovery suffered a setback when one of its cheerleaders, seventh-grader Chloe Trammell, fractured her leg at the competition. “After Chloe got hurt, the team stepped up and placed ninth out of 24 teams. They really represented Madison well,” Discovery cheerleading coach Emily Parker.