Dawson High School cheerleading team earns historic national championship bid

In a vibrant display of talent and achievement, the Pearland Independent School District (PISD) recently celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of its students in various competitive arenas. The atmosphere was electric as athletes and musicians gathered to share their successes, showcasing the dedication and hard work that led them to these prestigious milestones.

Among the standout performers was Georgia Stevenson, who finished fifth in the state powerlifting competition with a total lift of 1,125 pounds in her weight class. This year marked her third consecutive qualification for the state meet, and she has now placed in the top five twice. Notably, Georgia set a new regional record for the squat with an impressive lift of 500 pounds, complementing her personal bests of 285 pounds in the bench press and 385 pounds in the deadlift.

Mark Petralza also made waves at the state meet, finishing fourth in the 308 weight class with a total of 1,850 pounds. This was his second consecutive appearance at the state level, following a strong second-place finish at the regional meet. Mark's personal bests include a staggering squat of 765 pounds, a bench press of 530 pounds, and a deadlift of 566 pounds.

Other notable athletes included Titus Brooks, who qualified for the state meet with a total lift of 500 pounds, and Jaden Tarver, who achieved a total of 1,465 pounds. Graden Phillips also made his mark, qualifying with a total of 1,550 pounds. Each athlete shared personal bests that highlighted their strength and commitment to the sport.

In addition to the powerlifting achievements, the Dawson High School cheer team made history by earning a bid to the NCAA high school national championships, marking the first national championship appearance for the school. Head cheerleading coach Chelsea Davenport expressed immense pride in her team's performance, noting they achieved one of the top ten scores among hundreds of competing teams.

The celebration continued as PISD recognized 19 high school musicians who earned spots in the Texas Music Educators Association All State Performing Groups. These talented students participated in three days of rehearsals led by nationally recognized conductors, culminating in a performance at the annual TMEA convention, the largest music educators convention in the nation.

As the event concluded, the sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable, with students and parents alike beaming with joy. The achievements of these young athletes and musicians not only reflect their individual talents but also the supportive community that fosters their growth and success.