The LZHS cheerleading team placed sixth at the IHSA Cheerleading State Finals this past weekend.

The competition took place in Bloomington, Illinois on Friday, February 2 to Saturday, February 8. The team qualified to compete in the State Finals after placing first at Sectionals.

“[Our team] was happy with sixth place because we have gotten so close [to each other] compared to the beginning of the season. It didn’t even matter what place we got,” Monica Carrillo, junior cheerleader, said.

In order to prepare for the state competition, the cheer team has been practicing their routine since last April. They have had practices almost every day since then for three hours a day after school.

“[We have learned] that hard work really pays off,” Carrillo said. “We had a rough start [to the season], but then we all began to work together and get better.”