Honors were shared by several school districts
By George Starks
GREENVILLE- After being shut down a year ago due to Covid-19, the Great Darke County Fair was back in business Friday.
As is normal, it all started with the annual Cheer Competition.
Schools from Darke County as well as Union City and Piqua were represented but this was a year that may have seen some of the stiffest completion in years.
In the past, Tri-Village had ruled the roost but that wasn’t the case in 2021.
With six classes being contested, it was Darke County Elite that won in the Pee Wee Cheer. It was Patriot Nation winning Pee Wee Dance and the Spirit Award.
Greenville took top honors in the Junior High Cheer division with Mississinawa Valley finishing first in Junior High Dance.
At the high school level, it was Ansonia and Versailles winning in the Cheer and Dance respectively.
Macy Thompson, a senior at Tri-Village, was outspoken about what happened a year ago.
“It was heartbreaking for me,” she said. “The seniors from last year suffered the most and I really felt bad for them. I work at a nursing home and I cried when I went by here knowing there was not going to be a fair competition.”
For senior Ashlyn Wilson, it was hard on her for another reason.
“It was hard for me to get the motivation I needed,” said Wilson.
For Patriot coach Danielle Bourne, the competition was stiff.
“It was tough out there today but it was even tougher to watch these girls who worked so hard not to get to be here,” Bourne with tear in her eyes. “Darke County has good athletes and we represent Ohio well. Our goal was to place in every division and we did. What meant even more was that we won the Spirit Award.”
For Greenville coach Hope Byrum, she was very proud of her kids.
“My kids were very prepared and ready to perform,” said Byrum. “I was very proud of all of our girls. Last year was very tough. We spent the whole summer and we had the routine down.”
CNO Photos: Above: Versailles, High School Dance. Below, in order: Tri-Village, Greenville, Mississinawa Valley and the UC Stateliners were all bi-winners at the 30th Annual Cheer Competition at the Darke County Fair Friday. Photos by George Starks
