November 21, KENNESAW, Ga. – At the Georgia High School Association Cheerleading State Championships on November 15-16, in Columbus, Ga., the Mount Paran Christian School Eagle Competition Cheer squad brought home its eighth consecutive State championship. Mount Paran Christian School’s squad is the only team in the entire state, across any regional class, to have achieved the impressive feat of eight consecutive cheer titles. The GHSA Class A-Private Competition Cheer State title has been bestowed upon the MPC Eagles’ squad since the 2012-2013 season.
The MPC competition team, coached by Paige Johnson and Catina Taliaferro, set as its theme for this year “Destined For Gr8ness.” The 18-member squad relentlessly pursues excellence in every stage of the cheer season, from workouts to practices to each level of competition. Coach Johnson, a former Auburn University cheerleader herself, commented, “The girls that make up the competition team are tremendous, committed athletes. They train year-round: running and conditioning, lifting weights, tumbling, stunting, cheering on the sidelines of football and basketball games. Every one of these girls is a skilled athlete - most of them play and compete in other sports. They have finished their season with a perfect record!”
Competition cheerleading is acknowledged as an Olympic sport and has been recognized by the GHSA/NCAA for over 25 years. The MPC Lady Eagles were named GCCA Team of the Year in 2018. The level of difficulty of their routine consistently outscores larger schools and classes, this year through 4A. The cheer squad now holds the most consecutive GHSA State championships for any sport in Cobb County. They were previously tied with McEachern Wrestling, who held seven consecutive state championships from 1989-1995. This eighth consecutive title also puts MPC Competition Cheer in a three-way tie with Richmond Academy Baseball (1951-1957) and Georgia Military College Swim (1946-1953) for fourth most consecutive titles in the state in any sport. The top three spots for most state championships in any sport belong to Jefferson Wrestling (2001-2019), Westminster Boys Cross Country (1996-2005), and Lakeside Gymnastics (1971-1979).
Tiana Taliaferro, senior cheerleader and co-captain of the competition squad, says, “To be part of the legacy means so much. It’s an amazing opportunity to carry on what was started years ago. Going through this amazing program, I’ve learned not only to be a better athlete but formed connections that will last a lifetime, learned more about myself, and grew spiritually. MPC Cheer has changed my life, and to be a part of the legacy will forever be an honor and an amazing memory.”
ABOUT MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Mount Paran Christian School, the largest private Christian school in Cobb County, is a non-denominational, college-preparatory school for students in preschool age three through grade 12. MPCS is committed to excellence in academics, award-winning arts, and championship athletics, all within a Christian environment with small class sizes. Founded in 1976, MPCS is fully accredited (SAIS/AdvancED) and located near Kennesaw Mountain on a 68-acre collegiate-like campus. Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, MPCS unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.
