Lake Oconee Academy senior Anna Caroline Todd has been named the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association (GCCA) Cheerleader of the Year Runner-Up for Class A-4A, earning recognition as one of the state’s top high school cheerleaders.

The prestigious honor also earned Todd a place on the GHSA All-State Cheer Team and a $1,000 scholarship, recognizing her excellence not only in cheerleading, but also in academics, leadership, community involvement, and character.

Out of nearly 190 nominees from across the state of Georgia, Todd advanced through a rigorous selection process that began with a nomination based on academic achievement, leadership, and service. She completed an extensive application, secured letters of recommendation, and submitted a personal essay before advancing to the performance and interview rounds.

As one of just 30 finalists, Todd performed a two-minute routine before a panel of judges and a large audience while also participating in a formal interview. She ultimately earned a place among the Top 16 cheerleaders in Georgia, securing GHSA All-State honors and finishing as the GCCA Cheerleader of the Year Runner-Up.

Supporting her throughout the competition was her Titan cheer stunt group—Kallan Windham, Leighton Seybt, Maclaren Hill, and Addie Faust—who spent nearly 15 hours traveling to Columbus, GA to perform alongside her.

Although the recognition celebrates an individual achievement, Todd says the journey never felt like it belonged to just one person. “My reaction to learning I was the Runner-Up Cheerleader of the Year was complete shock,” Todd said. “I had some amazing competitors, and the entire process was difficult and nerve-wracking. I was so thankful and grateful to receive this distinguished honor.”

For Todd, the award represents years of commitment to a sport that has shaped her both as an athlete and as a person. “This recognition is a representation of the immense amount of work I’ve put into cheerleading,” she said. “So much of my life and my time has gone toward this sport, so being recognized in this huge way means so much to me.”

One of the greatest challenges came during the performance itself. After years of competing shoulder to shoulder with teammates, Todd found herself stepping onto the competition floor largely on her own. “Growing up as a cheerleader, I’ve always competed alongside my teammates,” she said. “Although I had my stunt group for part of my routine, the rest of my performance was alone in front of a huge crowd and a tough panel of judges. Calming my nerves and competing with confidence all by myself was very challenging.”

Throughout the process, Todd credits LOA’s Cheer Coach Lori Beth Brakebill for being a constant source of encouragement. “Coach Lori Beth had the biggest impact on this journey,” Todd said. “From her incredible letter of recommendation to reminding me about deadlines and helping choreograph my routine, she was always positive and encouraging. I truly couldn’t have achieved this honor without her.”

Brakebill said the recognition reflects exactly the kind of student-athlete Todd has become. “Anna Caroline embodies everything this award is designed to recognize,” Coach Brakebill said. “We couldn’t be more proud of the young woman she has become.”

While Todd’s resume includes consecutive GHSA State Cheer Championships and now one of the state’s highest individual honors, those aren’t the accomplishments she treasures most. “Being back-to-back state champions is obviously amazing and something to be proud of,” she reflected. “But it’s not my proudest accomplishment. Having close, personal bonds with each of my teammates means so much more. Practices are filled with laughter, memories, and friendship. We win because we love each other, and that is definitely my proudest accomplishment.”

As she begins her senior year, Todd hopes younger cheerleaders remember that success is measured by far more than trophies. “Cherish every second,” she encouraged. “Don’t wish away practice time, and don’t dread competing alongside your best friends. Time flies faster than anyone could have warned me. Success and victories come when you care deeper about who you are competing with than what trophy you are competing for.”

For Lake Oconee Academy, Todd’s accomplishment is more than an individual athletic honor. It is a celebration of the character, leadership, dedication, and relationships that define the ONE Titan family—and a reminder that the greatest victories are often measured not by the trophies earned, but by the lives touched along the way.