Dalton High’s Lanier Land named state cheerleader of the year

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Dalton High School senior Lanier Land has been named the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association Cheerleader of the Year for the 4A-6A classifications.

This honor recognizes her talent, dedication and contributions to cheerleading at both her school and the state level.

Land is the second cheerleader in Dalton history to be selected for the All-State cheer squad, following in the footsteps of Grace Anderson, who went on to achieve a national championship cheering at Clemson University.

To earn the title, Land had to demonstrate her skills through a rigorous selection process that included writing an essay, answering questions in front of an interview panel, and performing a routine. While most of the performance was done solo, she received stunting assistance from her teammates Alauna Adams, Ella Carroll and Zippy Vinyard.

Land’s performance was Saturday.

In addition to her cheerleading accomplishments, Land is an AP Scholar, a dancer at the Dance Theater of Dalton, lacrosse player, pep club president, interact club vice president and Christ Church Presbyterian youth.

Land is also a member of the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a four-year top 10 academic student. She’s a Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient, Cheer Hawaii Leadership Award recipient, University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Winner and Universal Cheerleaders Association All-American cheerleader.

Land was guided by coaches, Shalisa Love and Whitney Lusk.

Submitted by Dalton High School.