High School, Middle School Cheerleaders Win State Competitions

Cheerleaders from and gave it their all at the RICCA Cheer Competition in Portsmouth on Sunday and both teams came home on top.

For Kickemuit Middle School cheerleaders, winning the competition means being named best in the state of Rhode Island. But taking first in the state isn't necessarily new to the middle school cheerleaders. This win marks their . Last year the cheerleaders were honored by town officials as well as .

"What made it even more of a big deal was that we went into the competition undefeated, so we had a championship title to uphold and a second consecutive season of being undefeated!" said Coach Lynn DePasquale. "The girls worked so hard all season, so winning by a difference of 25 points made the win even sweeter!"

The KMS team is made up of 21 cheerleaders who practice 3-4 times a week. In addition to regular cheerleading practice, the majority of the girls attend a cheer tumble class to improve their gymnastics skills. DePasquale says 95 percent of the team can back-handspring and the majority of the team has elite running tumbling skills.

"These skills, along with their ability to dance, cheer and stunt is what landed them in the Advanced to Elite categories on the judges skill sheets and gave them a score that surpassed most varsity teams," she said.

For Mt. Hope, the competition served as a tune-up for their upcoming State Championship that will be held in Providence on Sunday, March 11. Mt. Hope has consistently placed second and third all season, but nailed it during the Sunday's competition and took first place. Coach Debbie Marshall said that this is the first time the team won the large all-girl Varsity Division and had the fourth highest score overall.

"This year's team is incredibly hard working and always strives to get better in every performance," Marshall said. "Most importantly they are truly a team!"

Marshall said she is appreciative of all of the people who have helped out along the way and the girls are really looking forward to their state championship meet on Sunday.

"It takes a village to support a team and I would be remiss to not thank Ms. Penkala, Mr. Squires and all the girls' parents and family for their support over this season! The team would not have come this far without them!" she said. "Sunday is our biggest competition and the team hopes to have their best competition of the season!"

Senior cheerleader Carly Ferias was also awarded a $500 Scholarship and the Spirit Award Medal at the competition. Amand Bernard and Alex Absi were named to the RICCA All-Around Team in late January.

Editor's Note: A special thank-you to Judy Gomes and Paula Millard for sending in photos of the teams!