AMERICUS — Southland Academy Varsity Cheerleaders for the upcoming school year have been selected. The girls, coached by Susan Welch, were chosen on gymnastic, jumping, cheer, dance and spirit skills.

The squad includes eight rising seniors: Emily Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Brown of Americus; Kaleigh Hernandez, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Hernandez of Americus; Rachel Minick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Minick of Preston; Olivia Payne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Payne of Weston; Jordan Sanders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Norton and Phil Sanders, all of Americus; Kelley Stapleton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Owen Stapleton of Preston; Hannah Teasley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Teasley of Americus; and Mary Margaret Turton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Turton of Cordele.

The squad includes three rising juniors: Katie Berry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Berry of Ellaville; Sydney Copeland, daughter of Melanie Copeland of Americus; and Mary Nell Rush, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tuck Rush of Americus.

The squad includes one rising sophomore: Karson Duke, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ray Duke Jr.

The squad includes four rising freshmen: Anslee Barnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russ Barnes of Americus; Mary Catherine Dean, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dean of Americus; Morgan Deriso, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Deriso of Americus; and Kara Hubbard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hubbard of Richland.