The Blackman High School cheerleaders and head coach Heather Wortman are the proud recipients of two national awards, including one resulting in a $20,000 prize, according to assistant coach Courtney Gregory.

The first award is called the American School Spirit Award, and it is awarded to the most outstanding program in the country based on evidence of school spirit, community service, and academics (http://www.uca.varsity.com). The award decision is based on every high school program in the country, Gregory said.

The Blackman team won first place and along with it will receive a feature spot on ESPN, approximately $4,000, pullover jackets and a cover on American Cheerleader Magazine.

The second award, sponsored by Playtex Sport, was based on a video entry, votes, and a final round of judging (http://go2nationals.playtexsport.com). Blackman was informed in December that they won the award, which includes a $20,000 prize, Gregory said.

It’s been a tremendous year for the Blackman squad.

“Our team also won the TSSAA state cheerleading championship in November as did our freshman cheerleading squad,” Gregory said. “I have to say that other than winning a national championship in 2010, this is the biggest thing that has ever happened to our program ... a definite game changer financially and a huge honor.”