Neighbor News
Novato High cheer team triumphs at Nationals
The Novato High School Cheer & Dance team's victory at the USA Nationals competition in Anaheim was the first in school history.
For the first time in school history, the Novato High varsity cheer and dance team captured first place in its division Sunday at the United Spirit Association Nationals competition in Anaheim.
The Hornets beat 17 other high school teams in the Large Varsity Show Cheer Novice Division.
“Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure and loss only act as motivators,” said Patti Nave, Novato High’s cheer coach for 26 years. Nave is assisted by Dolly Nave-Kirkpatrick and Cathy Caliguire.
Find out what's happening in Novatofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The three-day event at the Anaheim Convention Center drew more than 11,000 competitors from hundreds of schools.
The Hornets were led by captains Megan McGrath, Abby Paech and Sophia Crescibene, and co-captains Claire Uicker and Emma Weisberg. Other members were Shayda Bakhtiari, Cinthia Benitez, Alex De Greef, Gisselle De Leon, Kenya Dickerson, Daniella Ingargiola, Eliana Katelanis, Nami Kong, Lily Manshouri, Roya Manshouri, Natalie Moran, Lauren Pratt, Kiley Santella, Megan Santella and Kaziah Watson.
