US girl shot seven times at Indiana school performs at Colts game

A teenage girl who was shot seven times at a central Indiana middle school has performed with Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders.

Ella Whistler danced with the cheer squad at Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Wearing her high school uniform and a beaming smile, the brave teenager was given the role of honorary captain for the cheer team.

"Ella Whistler shows the world how strong she is," the Colts posted on Twitter.

The squad posted on Twitter that she was "our hero".

The Indianapolis Star reports she also sang the national anthem with the school choir.

Ella and teacher Jason Seaman were shot at Noblesville West Middle School in May by a 13-year-old boy who later admitted to the shooting.

Ella's family previously said she was shot in the face, neck and chest, and suffered collapsed lungs and several broken bones.

A judge ruled earlier this month that the boy should be held at a state juvenile detention centre until he is 18 or deemed rehabilitated.

Ella Whistler performed during the Colts' win wearing her Noblesville West uniform.