The Morgan Academy varsity and junior high squads didn’t have to hear “two bits, four bits” to “stand up and holler” Thursday when they were named the Alabama Independent School Association Western Division and UCA camp champions.

The camp, which took place on the campus of Huntingdon College, was a four-day event with multiple categories that all figured into the judges’ final decision, head coach Heather Holladay said.

When the decision was announced, Holladay said everyone erupted with excitement.

“It was a great day during a great week,” she said. “It felt so good. I was so proud because they have worked all summer practicing. It was good to see their hard work pay off.”

The camp began with a pom-pom competition created by each team. The UCA representatives then worked with the more than 20 teams on an extreme routine in which the cheer squads used the new stunts they learned to create a routine of their own.

In addition to the team accolades, several Morgan cheerleaders also received individual honors.

Kalli Jones, Morgan Smith, Ashley Moore, Evelyn Stewart and Katy Skelton were named to the UCA squad. Jones, Stewart, Moore and Skelton were also named AISA All-Stars.

Maggie Jackson was named to the freshman UCA team.

The varsity UCA selections will travel to London for a New Year’s parade, and Jackson will participate in a Thanksgiving Day parade in Orlando at Disney.

Stewart was also invited to join the UCA staff.

The Morgan squad’s cheers weren’t the only aspect of their performances that received attention. Several members of the squad were also recognized for their work ethic and extra effort with UCA Leadership Pins. Six of the 22 pins given out went to members of Morgan squad including Jackson, Owen Robertson, Emily Sherrer, Jones, Bethany Keel and Stewart.

When the awards ceremony was over, Holladay said the team was very emotional.

“There were lots of tears,” she said. “Lots and lots of happy tears.”

Now, Holladay said the team is focusing its attention on another goal. In September, the team will travel to the Montgomery Performing Arts Center to compete for the AISA state championship.

“It will be broken into class as far as 1A, 2A and 3A,” she said. “That will be our last competition for the year.”