This year’s cheer team did something no other Kearsley cheer team has done before — compete at the state final.

The Hornets took seventh place during the MHSAA final Saturday, March 4, at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids.

Competing in Division 2, Kearsley earned 227.30 during round one and 214.94 during round two, which put the Hornets in eighth place.

But Kearsley’s third round performance scored 304.70, which was better than Muskegon Reeths-Puffer’s 291.8, and enough to push Kearsley ahead one spot in the final standings.

Even though the Hornets did not win, junior Jada Brown said she knows winning isn’t what the sport is only about.

“I’m so glad we had this chance to break school history, even though we didn’t win,” Brown said.”Winning isn’t always about getting the trophy. It’s bonding and becoming a family with the girls that made this all possible.”

Allen Park won Division 2 with a score of 787.96 points, while Gibraltar Carlson was the runner-up, scoring 787.90 points.

Junior Kaylee Hill is grateful that the team went as far as it did.

“Going to states was a huge accomplishment,” Hill said. “Even though we placed low, we still have gone where no other team has been before. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this experience.”