Something to cheer about

They got a letter from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who wrote “Go Mustangs!”

They went to Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

They were featured in American Cheerleader magazine.

The accolades seem endless for the Costa Mesa High School Cheerleading squad, which won this year’s nationally recognized American School Spirit Award.

Hundreds of high schools applied for the award, and out of the 10 finalists, the Costa Mesa squad emerged victorious.

But it wasn’t their cheering abilities that earned them the No. 1 ranking as far as school spirit is concerned; it was about the endless hours of community service and a combined 3.48 grade-point average; and how they conducted themselves inside and outside the classroom.

“There’s not an event that we’re not at,” said Coach Kori Johnson, a 1990 Costa Mesa High graduate and former cheerleader. “You’ll see us everywhere. Youth clinics, ALS walks, cook-outs, parades, neighborhood events. You name it. We’re there. You can bet on it.”

Tuesday night, each cheerleader from the 36-member squad received a certificate of recognition from the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

“It’s nice to be recognized for what you do. It’s nice knowing that other people know,” said freshman Courtney Hatch.

A lot of the credit was given to Johnson, who spent hours and hours filling out the application for the American School Spirit Award.

She hustled down the recommendations from the principal and various community leaders. She kept track of the events the squad has competed in.

In all, 50 pages had to be filled out, she said, comparing the task to grant writing.

And the reward? Aside from the plaque and a place in history alongside high school cheerleading squads from years past?

“We got to go to Orlando for free, basically,” she said. “They comped everything.”

Her husband, Kyle Johnson, is glad this hectic year is over.

“She puts her heart and soul into the program,” he said. “She’s an amazing and talented woman.”