A Legacy in Motion: Greenup County Cheer Secures
17th National Title and 3rd World Title
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Contrary to popular belief legends are not simply born into this world… legends are made through the process of hard work, dedication, and vision. Candy Berry, Head Coach of Greenup County Cheer, is the prime example of what it takes to be a legend. Berry started her coaching career at Greenup County High School in 1976 intending to make cheerleading a sport that all other athletes respected, and she did just that!
Berry’s team was one of the first squads to compete at the first-ever National High School Cheerleading Championship alongside 14 other squads in 1980. The following year, Greenup County High School brought home its first national title. Under Berry’s unique and talented leadership, the cheerleading program of Greenup County High School has been bringing home national titles ever since.
Just this past Thursday, Berry and her squad of talented cheerleaders returned from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) competition and brought back two coveted white satin jackets. With impeccable routines and unwavering determination, the team secured not only their 17th National title but their third World title as well as solidifying the team’s status as a powerhouse and force to be reckoned with in the world of cheerleading.
From their opening stunts to their final tumbling passes, Greenup County Cheer captivated the audience with their precision, synchronization, and infectious energy. Months of rigorous training and countless hours of practice culminated in a flawless zero-deduction performance leaving everyone in the building in a state of awe. Berry shared, “The progression of skills each year takes a lot of work and learning ourselves. It takes time to get ready for the elite skills it takes to win a championship. We work all year long to gain the strength and knowledge to be ready for the elite skills.
Like any other successful program, it not only takes every athlete giving all but requires a great deal of support from the parents, school, and surrounding community. Berry explained, “To become a National Champion takes a lot of time and work, and it equally takes support. We have been blessed to have the support of our school board, superintendent, school administrators and our community! WE just didn’t win the National Championship. Our school system and community won too!”
Throughout Berry’s years of coaching, she has learned that a team can go from ordinary to extraordinary with the perfect combination of great athletes who are dedicated and determined alongside a great support system and a team of amazing coaches. “I want to thank my fellow coaches for all they’ve done: Allison Trujillo, Hunter Scott, Brandi Hunt, Rhonda Poplin. Thanks to Bill Rice for his fantastic tumbling instruction. I also want to thank Traysea Moresea, Anthony Thompson, and Chelsea Delong for their support.” Berry went on to add one more very special thank you to her list, “I thank God for placing me at Greenup County High School, and a big thanks to my family for supporting my coaching.”
The cheer program of Greenup County High School and its unparalleled skill, impeccable teamwork, and unwavering dedication have truly set them apart, earning them and Berry a legacy that will transcend generations to come. Their achievements not only inspire awe and admiration but serve as a benchmark for aspiring cheerleaders worldwide. With each performance, they redefine the boundaries of what is possible, pushing the sport to new heights and leaving a permanent mark on its history. Singer and songwriter Dolly Parton once said, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” To this I say, Candy Berry and Greenup County Cheer- YOU are what legends are made of!