Hartselle High School senior Aaron Compton signs a letter of intent to play golf for Martin Methodist University. Seated next to him are his parents, Greg and Leslie Compton. Standing, from left, are his sister, Anna Claire, Hartselle coach Chad Gladden, Martin Methodist coach Matt Rackley and his sister, Beth Ann. | Clif Knight

Three Hartselle High School students signed athletic scholarships at a joint reception held in the school cafeteria earlier this month.

Aaron Compton, a senior member of Hartselle’s golf team, signed with Martin Methodist University in Pulaski, Tenn. and senior varsity cheerleaders Caitlin Clardy and Zana Malcom signed with West Alabama University in Livingston and the University of Alabama-Huntsville, respectively.

Compton is a five-year varsity golf team veteran. He led the Tigers to a sectional win recently by shooting a 72 and earning low medal honors.

“I’ve always wanted to play golf at the college level and I’m thankful to Martin Methodist for giving me that opportunity,” Compton stated. “I’m also thankful to my high school coach, Chad Gladden and my private coach, Stephen Puryear of Huntsville for helping me get to this point in my career.”

Compton said he’ll pursue a degree in accounting at MMU.

“Aaron (Compton) has a strong work ethic and has greatly improved his game over the past couple of years,” Gladded said. “He has played well this season an I feel he has prepared himself to excel at the next level.”

Clardy has cheered for Hartselle High at the varsity level for three years. She received a leadership award at summer camp as a sophomore and is a UCA All-American cheerleader. She also helped her squad win the Alabama Class 5A cheerleading championship in 2012.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Clardy said. “West Alabama has a beautiful campus and I’m looking forward to cheering for them for the next four years.”

Clardy said she plans to pursue a degree in special education.

Malcom served a co-captain of her cheerleading squad as a senior and is a VCA All-American cheerleader. She joined the varsity squad as a freshman.

“UAH has a beautiful campus and I’m excited about going there,” Malcolm said. “I look forward to cheering for their athletes, building new relationships and pursuing a major in nursing.”

“This shows that our cheerleading program has reached the point of being competitive at the state level and is opening doors for its members to go on and cheer at the next level,” said Beth Bole, co-sponsor.

“Both Caitlin and Zana have worked very hard and done all that we asked of them. They have been leaders both on and off the field.”

Hartselle High senior Caitlin Clardy signs a grant-in-aid to cheer for West Alabama University. Seated next to her are her parents, Mike and Faith Clardy. Standing, from left, are co-sponsor Beth Bole, West Alabama director of student activities Jason Gardner and co-sponsor Beth Long. | Clif Knight

Hartselle High School senior Zana Malcom signs a scholarship to cheer for the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Seated next to her are her parents, Zeke and Bridgett Malcom. Standing, from left, are co-sponsor Beth Long, her brother, Zeth Malcom and co-sponsor Beth Long. | Clif Knight