Fairview Middle Cheerleader Appear on New Sugarhill Album

Published November 9, 2006

Fairview Middle School's cheerleading squad cheers on the school's sports teams loud and proud, and now their strong lungs have earned them a spot on the newest album by country stars Sugarland.

The girls came to know Sugarland through their gymnastics teacher, Chad Hollingsworth, who doubles as a firefighter and EMT at the Fairview Fire Station and Franklin Fire Station. Originally an all-call went out to gymnastics teachers that Sugarland needed cheerleaders to be a part of their song, Mean Girls. The cheerleaders went into Blackbird Studios in Nashville on July 17 to record their parts for the song, which appears on Sugarland's newest album Enjoy the Ride. The girls recorded a stomp and clap sequence, and a resounding "Ready? OK!" which kicks off the song. The girls also sang along with Jennifer Nettles during the chorus portion of the song.

"Jennifer Nettles was the most laid-back, warm, and fuzzy of the group," says cheerleader Katie Heithcock. Fellow cheerleader Amanda Clark adds, "She was like a kid. She loves to dance."

The girls are getting paid for their contributions and also receive a credit on the album.

The fun didn't end with the album's recording. The cheerleaders were invited to attend the Good Morning America taping on November 6 to help launch the album's release. Sugarland performed at the Nashville Fairgrounds race track, and were joined by Bon Jovi.

The Sugarland album Enjoy the Ride, featuring the Fairview Middle School cheerleaders on the song Mean Girls, is in stores now.