Brandy Cooper wins cheerleading honors

Brandy Cooper, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Metter Intermediate School, was recently named an International Champion.

Brandy joined Cheer South All-Stars located in Statesboro in August of 2006, and as part of the team she competed in AmeriCheer's International Competition at Disney's Wide World of Sports on March 16 and 17 against other teams from all over the United States, Britain, Colombia and Ecuador.

Despite the weekend travel and weekly practices, Brandy has enjoyed every moment. She is also an honor roll student, P.R.O.B.E. (gifted program) participant and active in 4-H and basketball.

Brandy had no tumbling experience prior to joining the team, and in a few short months she learned to do a standing back handspring, round-off back handspring and is known for her high jumps. This summer she plans to work on multiple back handsprings and her tuck.

The Cheer South All-Stars performs an action-packed routine filled with tumbling, highflying stunts, dance and, of course, their signature cheer.

This competition season, Brandy and her group racked up first place championships in their division at three of six competitions so far. The team won the Cheer Sport National Title, for which they received national championship jackets, a banner for their gym and a large trophy. They also won an International Championship Title, for which they received jackets, a banner and a trophy.

The girls will end their season at Myrtle Beach at the Battle on the Beach during spring break.

At the Cheer South banquet, Brandy received a medal and plaque and was named Most Improved Cheerleader.

She is the daughter of Randy (Coach Cooper) and CaDeisha Cooper of Statesboro and the granddaughter of Joe and Zadell Cooper and great-granddaughter of Katie-Mae Wright, all of Millen.