Cheerleading Squads Perform Perfectly
By Matt High, Athletics Program Coordinator, CHS

Since the Sunny Isles Beach Youth Cheerleading squads completed their first year of inception. I thought it was time to take the squads on the road for competition.

The Cultural and Human Services Department-Athletics Division, sponsors two teams, the Peewee squad and the Junior Peewee squad. The season started at the beginning of September and ran through the middle of December. We were very fortunate to have two knowledgeable coaches, Valori O’Brien and Katie Stone, who are both attending Barry University.

The squads practiced at Town Center Park through all conditions: heat, rain, and even darkness. It was amazing to see the determination and drive that these young girls had throughout the season. There were many days that the girls did not feel like practicing, but overcame these obstacles to get ready for their competitions.

In November, both squads performed at the Sunny Serenade in Sunny Isles Beach, which the crowd, along with the parents, enjoyed. This was a small warm-up to what was yet to come. The big day finally arrived for these young girls, which they have been preparing for since the first day of practice. On December 2nd in the wee hours of the morning, the teams loaded the bus for Palm City, Florida where the Flamingo Regional Cheerleading Championships was being held. As the performances began, I sat nervously in the stands, since this was our first competition ever. Both squads did an outstanding job on their performances. Both the Peewee and Junior Peewee cheerleaders of Sunny Isles Beach brought home first place trophies in their respective divisions, thus earning them a spot in the National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida.

I would like to congratulate each participant along with the commitment from their parents for having them on time and at practice each day. And, I cannot forget the outstanding job that both coaches did and their hard work in making the programs the best.

If you are interested in being part of a winning team, registrations for next season start on January 3rd for residents and January 16th for non-residents. Practice will begin on January 22nd. For more information, please contact the Cultural and Human Services Department at 305.792.1706.

Again, congratulations to all that have been involved and I personally look forward to watching these young girls compete again next year.

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