Oak Lawn Varsity And JV Cheer Squads Qualify For State Championship

OAK LAWN, IL — Oak Lawn Community High School varsity and junior varsity cheer squads qualified for the Illinois High School Cheerleading Coaches Organization (IHSCCO) state championship next month in Springfield. Both squads surpassed the minimum scores required in the Marion Catholic and Wilmington Cheer invites. IHSCCO is the longest running cheer championship in Illinois.

The coaching association also recognized OLCHS senior scholar athletes and nominations for the all-state 2023-2024 cheer team, including Bianca Arriaga, Allyson Fernandez, Annette Gubala, Cecily Santoro, Molly Cameron, Allyson Fernandez and Annete Gubala. The All-State Competition Cheer team will be announced at the IHSCCO Championship in Springfield on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7.

“Both Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheer squads showed determination and skill in their performances at the cheer invitationals,” OLCHS Coach Maria Vanderwarren said. “Crowds were cheering loudly to varsity's rock theme and JV's diva theme. We have very talented athletes at both the varsity and JV level this year and I couldn't be more proud to coach these wonderful, dedicated ladies.”

~ Contributed by Jennifer Jepsen, OLCHS Staff Writer