Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cheer tryouts at Delta State University were held in a virtual format on May 20-21. With 18 potential candidates submitting videos to cheer coach Mary Elizabeth Evans, 13 were chosen to cheer on the Statesmen during the 2020-2021 school year. Sarah Elizabeth Hardy, daughter of Shane and Melanie Hardy of the Scotland community, and Katie Edwards, daughter of Larry and Belinda Edwards of Yazoo City, were chosen as members of the Statesman cheer squad.
A 2017 graduate of Yazoo County High School, Katie continued her education at Holmes Community College where she obtained her Associates Degree and will be a senior at Delta State University this year where she is majoring in social work.
As a member of the DSU cheer squad, Katie volunteered in numerous schools throughout the Cleveland area, Meet the Statesmen, and the annual Pig Pickin’ festivities. Katie has been named to the DSU President’s List and attends the school’s bible study on Wednesday nights.
A 2018 graduate of Benton Academy, Sarah Elizabeth has spent the past two years at Holmes Community College cheering on the Bulldogs while pursuing a degree in psychology. While at Holmes, Sarah Elizabeth served as President of Phi Theta Kappa, served as an Ambassador, and was a member of the cheer squad for two years receiving both the Freshman and Sophomore Awards, the Fitness Award, and Scholar Athlete award.
During a recent virtual awards day at HCC, she also received the Social and Behavioral Sciences Award, was named to the Phi Theta Kappa Mississippi All Academic Team, and received the Phi Theta Kappa Order of the Golden Key Award. She has been named to the President’s List and was nominated for the Hall of Fame.
