There's spirit, then there's esprit de corps.

That's what a group of Fort Mill High School cheerleaders had going for them at a recent camp held at N.C. State. Varsity cheerleaders Lauren Deas and Alexis Clark and junior varsity squad members Madie MacGregor, Taylor Santana, and Sarah Kelley all performed so well that they all won the opportunity of a trip to London.

The Fort Mill cheerleaders, working with 20 other girls, also had to demonstrate the cohesiveness needed to form a successful squad. If they make the trip, the girls will be among a select few marching in a New Year's parade in London.

Deas, 17, and Clark, 16, may have been surprised, but they were more than capable of making the cut, according to first-year varsity coach Meecie Croker.

"These two girls are well deserving of receiving this award," Croker said. "It is a lot to say for them to be handpicked."

UCA Camp leaders made the decision based on the girls' interactions with their coaches, fellow cheerleaders, and their ability to learn and grow. Fort Mill High School's varsity team joined 10 other schools at the camp.

"The night before we left, we all performed, and the morning after they announced the winners," Deas said. "They gave us a medal and a packet with the information about the London trip."

Deas and Clark were surprised and excited to receive the envied award; However, they have racked up many other winning titles. Deas, a senior, and Clark, a junior, have been named UCA All-Stars twice in their careers.

Deas has been a varsity cheerleader since her freshmen year and has won the chance to march in a parade before. She was asked to coach next year at a UCA camp.

She said she hopes to be involved in cheering in the future and will try to continue her sport in college.

Clark has been on the varsity team during her three years of high school and has always taken an interest in cheering.

"I've always wanted to cheer since a little girl because I was watching everyone having a good time and I knew I wanted to have a good time," said Clark.

Both girls are still contemplating whether or not they will accept the offer due to school and family holidays, but they are both grateful for the recognition.

They also realize that they could not be where they are without their coaches.

"My coaches know what they're talking about. They're encouraging and they prepare us," Deas said.

Clark agreed, adding that the coaches continue leading with positive feedback and true commitment. The girls also credit their families for being helpful.

"I work as hard as I can, but I also know my limits because the whole team relies on me," Clark said.

Now, the girls are working on improving as a team and hope to make it to the state championships. Croker said she feels that, as a squad, the girls will be a force to reckon with.

"I have a lot of faith in the girls' abilities on the sidelines and in competitions," she said.