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By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

Friends, family, teammates, coaches and teachers gathered this week to celebrate as Happy Warriors Cheerleading Captain Bella Garmon made it official and will be trading in the maroon and black to wear blue and orange next year as she will be cheering for the Eagles of Carson-Newman.

Bella has been cheering since an early age, and her hard work, determination and diligence have paid off. For 15 years, cheerleading has not just been something Bella has done; it has been her passion, and whether she is screaming on a football field or tumbling on a basketball court, that passion comes through. “I have loved cheerleading since I have been three years old; there is just a depth for cheerleading in my heart,” Garmon shared.

Bella not only cheers for the Happy Valley Warriors but also for All-Star Cheer, which is extremely competitive. That commitment to cheer outside of school has developed her into not just a cheerleader but a competitor. In addition to cheer, her church, Sinking Creek Baptist, has been a big part of her life.

Happy Valley Athletic Director Matt Estep kicked off the celebration by acknowledging Bella’s accomplishments. Then, with her parents, Tara and Alex Carroll, the All-American Cheerleader made it official by putting her signature to her letter of intent. Head Warriors Cheerleading Coach and Student Support Coordinator Sadie Ramsey beamed when asked what made Bella special. “It’s her work ethic, she always shows effort, she was our captain this year. She is an all-around great athlete. I have only been her coach the last two years, but I have seen these last two that she is a great talent.”

For Bella, the balance of academics and cheer was very attractive, and it made Carson-Newman University a fit for her. “I love the campus; I can go through my major and still do cheer. They go to Nationals, and their coaches are so supportive. I just loved it all around,” Bella said. Head Eagles Cheerleading and Dance Coach Makyla Wyatt shared what made Bella such a good fit for the Eagles: “She is versatile, super athletic and smart. She seemed willing and able to make the program we offer work for her.” As well as her cheer time, Bella sports a 3.8 GPA, and those in attendance shared that she defines what a student-athlete is to be.

When it came to her time as a Warrior, Bella reflected on what made being a Warrior a special time. “I have grown to love this school so much. I have been here since the second grade. When you’re on the field and hear ‘Chop’ being played, it brings me back to my memories here. This place is so loving. I just love the Warriors as a whole.” She also wanted to give some words of wisdom for freshmen coming in next year: “Take your classes seriously and remember everything happens for a reason, and sometimes you just have to go with the flow.”