The competition included teams from Canton, Carrollton and Jacksonville, Fla. As champions, the OLM squad was invited to perform at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., later this year.The cheerleading squad for Our Lady of Mercy High School, Fairburn, was named 2007 Universal Cheerleaders Association Champions after “spirited” competition at Emory University June 17.

The team also won the leadership award, voted by the other teams for their skill as leaders, compassion for others and hard work during camp, as well as a superior trophy for X-treme dance, a second-place trophy for home dance and the “Spirit Stick.”

Kristin McClure, Catie Palmer and Endia Yates won spots on the all-star team. Sharon Shaw is the head coach of the squad.