LANDIS — It might have been cold Tuesday morning, but that was not going to stop the students and staff at South Rowan High School from rolling out the red Raider carpet for the cheerleading team.

Escorted by a barrage of local law enforcement, a white activity bus peeked over the hill on Patterson Street and the students awaiting the team’s return went bananas.

The cheerleaders were returning from a rigorous two-day competition in Orlando, Florida, at the national high school cheerleading championships, where they earned a silver medal in the D2 varsity medium non-tumble division.

The team consists of Addy Todd, Adysen Howard, Anna Shell, Ava Robbins, Breighlee Durham, Brinley Patterson, Emma Pressley, Emma Rae Hartsell, Halle Perry, Hannah Dellinger, Kalle Perry, Kinley Wright, Lainey Fisher, Lily Stallings, Paige Endicott, Raegan Toliver, Railyn Wright, Rebecca Ammons, Reese Lauderdale and Stella Lipe.

It is coached by Katelyn Nesbitt and Bailee Elliott.

“They are so hardworking and very talented,” Nesbitt said of her team. “They deserved to go. We were very excited to take them to the biggest competition that South Rowan has ever been to.”

Nesbitt explained that the categories are determined by school size and team size, but that the invitation was earned last year based on recent performances that included a state championship and Carolina Cup title.

“We got a bid back in October,” Nesbitt said. “You have to be invited.”

Nesbitt explained that the national championships take place over a two-day competition.

“So they competed on Sunday and had to score in the top 11 to advance to the second day, which was finals yesterday,” Nesbitt said.

Elliott confirmed that the competition was as exciting as it was challenging.

“Competing in Orlando is almost every cheerleader’s dream,” she said. “You are surrounded by so much talent and passion for the sport that will leave a lasting impact on most of the athletes’ lives. It is like living in a dream and will be an experience you never forget as you practice and compete in the surreal environment you thought you would only see online. The hard work, dedication, and drive in your team all becomes real and worth it when you step on that mat.”

Having the entire school out to cheer them on was certainly a change for the group that is typically in charge of bringing the school spirit.

“They are very supportive and we are very grateful,” Nesbitt said of South Rowan’s student body and staff that cheered them on as they arrived back to campus. “That was such a surprise, just the perfect welcome home.”