Submitted Photo From left, are: Warren Lady Dragons senior cheerleaders, Jayden Slack, Addison Downer, Jaelyn Mohney and Olivia Goss.

HERSHEY — Life is a journey, said someone, somewhere.

Four Lady Dragon senior cheerleaders — Addison Downer, Jaelyn Mohney, Olivia Goss and Jayden Slack — have experienced that journey with their teammates: juniors Lauren Andersen, Emma Carlson, Ryleigh Ecklund, Alexa Eger, Madelyn Flannery, Abigail Kent, Jayna Phillips and Molly Suppa; sophomores Ella Bouchard, Elena Brocklehurst and Lauren Shattuck;

and freshmen Annette Carrington, Rachel Christy, Shaina Critzer, Hailey Graham, Maddelyn Herzog, Hannah Lockamy, Kendra Noe, Neveah Seekins and Emily Sudul.

The Lady Dragons finished fifth at this weekend’s PIAA Competitive Spirit 2A Large Varsity Championships at the Giant Center.

After two straight District 10 titles and a sixth-place finish at states last year, and a fifth this year out of 14 teams, it’s understandable why they’re still beaming upon their return.

“In all honesty, it really hasn’t sunk in that we have made history in our school yet,” said Downer. “I’m just beyond excited for my team and this great accomplishment. I can’t really think of anything else except how proud I am. This was pretty much a first time for a lot of people because last year state was different. We told ourselves we were going to show up, make history, and we did it. I remember saying the whole time, ‘we deserve this guys, you know it,’ and (head coach) Melissa (Feaster) saying, ‘do it for you, do it for you.’

“It feels awesome paving the way for the future cheer program,” said Downer. “We’re taking steps to the top — next year the Dragons will be back at states and (better) than ever. I told the girls before we go on, look to your left and then look to your right; these girls wouldn’t be here without you and you wouldn’t be here without them. This is a team effort. I told them I believed in them. I told them I knew they were going to go out there and do that routine perfectly, and we did.

“Love cannot live where there is not trust,” she said. “I wish the girls and the coaches actually knew how grateful I am of them. I had the best six years of my life joining the cheer program. Not only did it feel great winning, but it felt even greater knowing we made school history.”

That school history was made with an entire county behind them.

“I am so glad I joined the Warren Dragons,” said Goss, a Youngsville High School senior. “When I was a freshman, I really had to step out of my comfort zone to make the decision to join Warren football cheer. My junior year, I decided to retire my Youngsville basketball jersey and focus on competition cheer. Now, looking back, that was the best decision I have made. This year was the icing on the cake. I have met amazing friends and I am so proud of my teammates our accomplishments. I am so proud to be a Youngsville Eagle making Dragon history. I can not wait to see how the cheer program progresses in the future. I know wherever I will be in life, I will be cheering them on all the way to the top.

“To the younger Youngsville girls that have a dream of cheering: go for it,” added Goss. “I’m not the first to join Warren co-op, and I will definitely not be the last. Sometimes you have to take that leap and remember to smile bright on the mat.”

Slack called hitting a perfect routine at states “phenomenal.

“We all love and trust and that’s the most important thing in a team,” she said, “and I can’t wait to see what next year brings for the team and coaches. I know they can do it, and I will be returning to come and watch them kick butt again.”