KEARNEY, Neb. - The Kearney High Dance Catz are making history by claiming the school’s first-ever State Dance Championship in addition to earning the top award for academics.

The Dance Catz recently claimed the Class A High Kick title at the state competition. The team also earned 5th place in the Hip-Hop Division, and received the Academic Excellence Award with a weighted team GPA of 3.83.

Coach Meggie Rusher praised her team’s hard work and strong character, saying “These girls showed the heart of champions long before they stepped on that stage yesterday. This was the result of countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and an unbreakable bond. This team not only danced with excellence, but they also carried themselves with grace, respect, and humility."

Rusher continued to say that "all sixteen of them believed in each other and in the power of unity, which carried them to their success. They have set a new standard for what it means to be a KHS Dance Cat."