: Savannah Buchanan is a ‘flyer’ with competition and football cheer squads at Bob Jones High School. CONTRIBUTED

Athlete of the Week

MADISON – A freshman at Bob Jones High School, Savannah Buchanan, proved her skill as a ‘flyer’ by helping varsity cheerleaders when they faced a crisis.

Bob Jones Assistant Principal Amy Thaxton nominated Buchanan as “Athlete of the Week,” based on Coach Zoe Williams’ suggestion.

“Savannah was called up to varsity after regional competition (because) center flyer Abbi Sacco got sick. In two weeks of practice, Savannah learned all stunts and the routine, which she performed without flaw during state competition,” Thaxton said.

“It’s so rewarding to perfectly hit a routine that you have worked so very hard for,” Buchanan said. She has been cheerleading since she was six years old.

“I really enjoy cheering for the Bob Jones Patriots,” she said about the competition and football cheer squads. “I’m very lucky to have such great coaches to influence me and encourage me as I continue to grow as an athlete.”

Each summer, Buchanan looks forward to cheer camp and learning new techniques for the upcoming season. “I enjoy competing and watching other teams compete and seeing all the different skill levels,” she said.

At Bob Jones, she participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Friends of Rescue (FOR), which fundraises for local animal shelters. “I enjoy FCA. We meet every other Friday and learn about teachings of Jesus and how to share positive (thoughts) within our school and community,” Buchanan said.

Her parents are Joel and Jody Buchanan. He works for Huntsville Utilities. Her mother teaches at Rainbow Elementary School.

Savannah owns a cat named Smokie.

Q & A

Q: What Madison restaurants do you like?

A: Chick-fil-A.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Plain cheese pizza.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: Alabama Crimson Tide.

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A: “Last year at nationals, I was on Discovery Middle School’s Competition Cheer Squad, and we hit our routine perfectly. Although we didn’t win, we knew we were all winners by getting out there and giving our all on the mat,” Buchanan said.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: Spend time with friends.