Malden Pop Warner Cheerleader Honored in Chicago

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by Lori Rogers.]

Each year, the most academically accomplished Pop Warner kids compete for Academic All-American status. This process begins at the association level and goes up through each of the eight Pop Warner regions all the way up to the national level.

The PWLS All-American Program requires a minimum 96 percent grade point average to apply for All-American status. Once the applications have been processed, Pop Warner then determines National First Team All-Americans (35 football, 35 cheerleading per grade), National Second Team All-Americans and National Honorable Mention Scholars.

Olivia Verdone, a member of the Malden Pop Warner 2010 National Champion A Squad, was named to the National First Team All-Americans. Along with participating in cheerleading activities throughout the year, Olivia was able to excel in her studies and community service. She was awarded with a scholarship at a ceremony held at Gillette Stadium back in April and named the Top Scholar in New England.

On Memorial Day Weekend, Olivia attended the All American National Scholar Weekend in downtown Chicago. The weekend consisted of a tribute to the scholars in the morning where Olivia received an engraved plaque for her outstanding achievement and an evening dinner banquet where the scholarships were announced, and Olivia received the Disney Sports Scholarship.

Congratulations to Olivia Verdone who was the recipient of $3,500 in scholarships thanks to Pop Warner Little Scholars and her drive to succeed in all that she does.