The PHS Varsity Cheerleaders pose with their winning trophy. Photo by Ms. Merced

By Samantha Reyes Lopez

With a new year, there are always new winnings. The cheerleading team has wasted no time in putting in the hustle to win big this new season after placing second in championships last year.

The Senior Cheer Captain, Nazier Navarro has worked hard to empower his fellow cheer members. “The hardest part about this season has been finding the accommodations for practice. We’re such a big squad and it’s been hard to find practice space to fit us with enough space to stunt.” Nazier said talking about their main issue since the season began.

This did not stop the cheer team from achieving first place in their first competition of 2017 at Emerson High School. The Varsity Cheer Squad competed Sunday, January 8. They placed first in their division and also received the judge’s favorite award.

PHS also competed in the Cheer Olympics that took place right after the competition and won medals for the “Highest Basket Toss” and the “Longest Held Extension.”

Those who competed in the Olympics were Reynaldo DeLaCruz, Angel Feliz, Nazier Navarro, Diego Ramirez, Christopher Rodriguez, Brandon Velez and star Flyer Nicole Rosario.

On Saturday, January 28, the cheerleaders competed in another competition and placed first in the Meadowlands cheer challenge. The team beat Clifton High School, which they have not done in years. On Sunday, January 29, at Woodridge High School, the team took first place in the Blue Devil Cheer Invitational.

Cheerleaders show their school spirit. Photo by Ms. Merced.

On Feb. 3, the team competed at the Big North Conference Cheer Championships and defeated PCTI, Clifton, Eastside and Bergen Tech to be named the Passaic County Champions. They also had the opportunity to perform their halftime routine at the Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center.

Cheerleading paved a way for new experiences for each member of the team. This year, they even gained a few new brothers and sisters. Catherine Sposato is proud to be a part of the cheerleading team. She gave credit to fellow member Chelsea Ceron, a flyer for the team for assisting to win the awards earned. With teamwork and trust hand in hand the rest of their season should be successful.