Mount Paran Christian School varsity cheer achieves a fourteenth consecutive State GHSA title
Competition cheerleading has been recognized as an official sport by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and the NCAA for more than 30 years. During that time, Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) has established itself as a powerhouse in Cobb County and throughout Georgia. This fall, the MPC competition cheer squad continued its dynasty, capturing its 14th consecutive GHSA State Championship title in the 1A–3A Private division.
MPCS holds the distinction of being the only cheer program in Georgia — across all classifications — to secure 14 straight State titles, beginning with the 2012–2013 season. The achievement also marks the longest streak of GHSA State Championships for any sport in Cobb County history. Statewide, MPCS ranks second across all sports for most consecutive championship titles, trailing only Jefferson High School’s wrestling program, which notched 19 consecutive titles from 2001–2019.
This year’s GHSA Cheerleading State Championships took place on November 14 at the Macon Centreplex in Macon, Georgia. With only ten returning athletes from last year’s championship roster, the young team faced high expectations. Guided by faith and a shared commitment, the team’s dedication shone through. After winning the 5A Division 1 Region Championship, Head Coach Shelley Ray reflected, “It has been an honor and a privilege to coach these amazing young ladies. Our season was not perfect. It was riddled with adversities and challenges. It truly is the sweetest victory for our team because they never gave up and they never gave in. To God be the glory for blessing us with the strength and endurance to do it one more time.”
Coach Ray praised the athletes’ extraordinary work ethic and unity, noting that their intricate, high-difficulty routine demanded exceptional synchronization and strength. “There is a strong
cheerleading legacy at Mount Paran Christian. We are so grateful and humbled to represent our school at the highest level. Words cannot describe how elated we are to bring home MPC’s 14th state cheerleading championship title,” Ray said.
Assistant Coach Kate Henderson reflected on the team’s theme, emphasizing the focus and unity it took to perform at their best. “At the start of each season, the Seniors choose a word and a verse to guide them. This year’s theme, Re1en4less, perfectly described this team’s determination and perseverance through practices, competitions, injuries, and setbacks,” Henderson said. “Focused on performing for an
audience of One, they lived out Galatians 6:9 — never growing weary in doing good and pressing on toward their goal.”
Through consistent discipline, faith, and excellence, Mount Paran Christian cheer continues to set the standard in high school competition cheerleading — demonstrating that a legacy built on perseverance and purpose only grows stronger with time.
