Ironton High School cheerleaders will no doubt spend their spring break savoring the taste of victory.

The 12-member cheering team won the grand champion award over the weekend at the Cheerleaders of America competition in Orlando, Fla.

Cheerleading sponsor Karen Arthur said members of the team earned the right to attend the national competition when they took home the award at the Back to School Blast in Columbus last fall.

They started out on a high note Friday night by winning the small

non-mount division, beating five other teams in the process. Advancing then to the grand champion finals, the IHS squad competed against more than 150 other teams from across the country.

"We're excited, overwhelmed," Arthur said.

And to what does she attribute this success?

"Teamwork," Arthur replied. "They worked as a team. "

The grand champion award netted a $5,000 check. They also have leather jackets as

their division award.

Cheerleaders are: Mandy McClellan and Fhara Markel, captains; Kaycie Culbertson and Leah Conley, seniors; Megan Crockrel and Katie Harper, juniors; Mallory Hurley, Lissa Hensley and Katie Washburn, sophomores; and Madison McDaniels, Lindsey Mooney and Kayla Brislin, freshmen.