WHS cheerleaders invited to nat'l meet

Watertown High School's cheerleading team has been invited to compete in the National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 8-12.
The team received a third-place award in the small co-ed division a the TSSAA State Championships last month at Middle Tennessee State's Murphy Center.
"This was our first competition this season and only the second competition Watertown High School has ever entered," WHS coach Nicholle Dorris said. "To place third in the state in this division is quite an honor.
The Nov. 18 state meet was open to any member TSSAA school. Seventy-three schools from across the state competed for awards in various divisions. The small co-ed division refers to the size of the squad and not the enrollment of the school.
"Considering Watertown High School's total enrollment consists of approximately 350 students and we were up against much larger schools makes this win even more significent," Dorris said.
Now the team has to raise $1,500 per cheerleader for the nationals which will be televised on ESPN. Watertown is the first Wilson County school invited to this competition.
"Our cheerleaders were given possible a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in an event of this magnitude, an event we were not financially prepared for," said Dorris, who has 20 cheerleaders on the squad. "We're committed to making this happen. But we need our community's help.
"We will be seeking sponsorships and donations from local businesses and individuals of Wilson County. We hope the community will be supportive of our endeavors."
Some of that help has already arrived as Dorris recently received a $500 check from Wilson Bank & Trust's Clark Oakley.
Zaxby's will have a WHS night from 4-10 p.m. Dec. 20 in which 10 percent of the receipts the team brings in will be donated for the trip. A fish fry hosted by Watertown Fire Department will be held at the community center Jan.20. There will be special community dinners, a "Dude Looks Like a Lady Contest" and other opportunities.
"We plan to keep the public well aware of what we have going on," said Dorris, who noted most of the expenses need to be paid by Jan. 5.
"We hope all of Wilson County gets this excited," said Dorris, who has seven seniors hoping for scholarships. "These kids work hard and have given up their free time to practice.
"When you think about it, this is a really big deal. The potential outcome for the students is huge, and we are thankful for a chance to go."
For more information, contact Dorris at 237-3434. Checks should be made payable to Watertown High School Cheerleaders and mailed to Watertown High School, attn. Nicholle Dorris, 515 W. Main St., Watertown, Tn., 37184.