'It Felt Unreal:' Farmingdale Varsity Cheer Makes History, Secures State Championship

FARMINGDALE, NY — The Farmingdale High School varsity cheerleading team made history earlier this month, capturing a long-awaited New York State title through unwavering dedication, elite skill, and teamwork. Their success reflects years of hard work, including grueling six-day practice weeks and a deep bond among teammates.

After finishing third and second in previous years, the Dalers finally reached the top this season, winning the 2026 NYSPHSAA Class A State Championship on March 7 in Binghamton, New York.

In February, they secured the Nassau County Championship with a score of 94.9 — the highest recorded across Long Island this year — marking their fourth consecutive county title.

The team continued its success earlier this month on the national stage in Orlando, Florida, where it placed 19th out of 115 teams in the National High School Cheerleading Championship’s DI Small category. This marked the first time in program history that Farmingdale advanced to the final round.

Ten seniors have been cheering since their freshman year, including Dakota Mauro, who made history as the first eighth grader to join the varsity team and has now been a member for five years.

Senior Kaylee Mendelson, a main base, has been cheering for 13 years and plays a critical role in the team’s success. From long practices — at least two hours a day, six days a week — to early mornings and years spent training alongside her teammates, Mendelson described the championship as an amazing experience. After stepping off that mat and finding out her team won, she said it was a moment she will never forget.

"It felt unreal and unexplainable," she said. "Emotions were very high because we worked so hard year after year, and finally hearing our name on top was the best feeling in the world."

While competing under pressure, Mendelson said she remains confident because she has her team on her side.

"My emotions are always high, but I remain calm at all times and trust my training and teammates," she said.

She added that having teammates she can lean on is important.

"I will never forget the wins and hard work that we put in day in and day out," Mendelson said, adding that cheerleading is important to her. "It has helped me grow, build strong friendships, and learn teamwork and dedication."

The Farmingdale High School Varsity Cheer Team walked in the Farmingdale Village St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15, and was honored by Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Farmingdale community with a proclamation.

The team was recognized across the board at the Section VIII Cheerleading Awards Banquet:

• Coach of the Year: Caitlin Beatrice
• Kean Award & Class A Backspot of the Year: Jasmin Lawrence
• All-County Honors: Jasmin Lawrence, Kaylee Mendelson, Reese Gillen, Sadie Gillen (Class A Side Base of the Year), and Dakota Mauro.
• All-Class Honors: Juliana Shelley, Nancy Wolf, Sara Verdi, and Lyla Atlas.
• Special Individual Recognition: Ava Kropp (Scholar Athlete), Erin Finkel (Most Improved), and Olivia Giordano, Paige Bresnahan, and Julia Burzynski (Coaches Awards).
• Team Awards: The squad also secured the Scholar-Athlete Team Award.