Maurice J. McDonough High School’s varsity cheerleaders had an extra sweet Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 coming in first place at the winter state finals.

The Maryland Public Schools State Cheerleading (MPSSC) State Finals were Tuesday at Harford Community College in Bel Air with teams from around the state taking to the mat to demonstrate skills in tumbling, cheering, dancing, jumping and stunts.

McDonough placed first in the Class 1A division, besting teams from Boonsboro and Pikesville high schools which came in second and third, respectively. McDonough’s team is coached by Tony Williams, a special education instructional assistant at the school. "These girls have had many months of team bonding, working together, motivating each other and getting to know each other," he said. "Our team is made up of athletes from all grade levels, who all respect each other and share the same love for the sport of cheerleading. We believe in building a true sisterhood, bonds that will last a lifetime."

The Rams were not the only Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) team that competed in the winter finals. Henry E. Lackey High School’s team came in sixth in the 1A division. Westlake High School came in third in the Class 2A division, St. Charles High School placed fifth in the Class 3A division and North Point High School took fourth in the Class 4A division.

Williams spoke of the Lady Rams athletes as being proactive, reliable and dedicated. His words could apply to most CCPS student-athletes. "In order to be a top tier high school athlete, you must put your studies and schoolwork first," Williams said, adding that support of family, friends, coaches and school administration allow students to succeed in the classroom and on the competition floor. 

MPSSC holds state competitions in the fall and winter.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).