By  Michelle Mellgren, Cheerleading Coach

After months and months of practice, the Sunny Isles Beach Dolphin Cheerleaders (ages 5-8 and ages 9-12) finally took the floor in the Diamond Cheer & Dance competition at West Palm Beach Convention Center on Saturday, November 22, 2008. After a long day and lots of waiting, the cheerleaders had their turn. With proud parents and coaches looking on, each of the groups with both excitement and nerves went out and gave it their best. A huge round of applause ended the day. After their performance, came the awards ceremony. The Sunny Isles Beach cheerleaders ages 5-8 made up of 17 girls, won the Grand Champion, the highest placement for their division. The girls tumbled over each other as they received their trophy for first place. The Sunny Isles Beach cheerleaders weren’t done yet.  The group ages 9-12 made up of 16 girls brought home the First Place trophy. The group performed and received their awards at Winter Fest on Saturday, December 6, 2008.  The new spring session begins on January 25th. All those who are interested in joining the next session can stop by the Cultural and Human Services Department located at Pelican Community Park, 18115 North Bay Road or call 305.792.1706 for more information.

The Under-8 squad consisted of Francesca Lazo-Garcia, Emma Mellgren, Nicole Launstein, Arly Sosa, Keyla Budde, Oriana Velazquez, Valeria Arguelles, Alexandra Baragas, Tatiana Vu, Chloe Bontoux, Emily Daiz, Ally Campbell, Shaddi Abdala, Florencia Casteo, Valeria Garcia, Valentia Sola, and Angelina Jimenez.

The Under-12 squad consisted of Lilian Mikhailov, Michelle Mikhailov, Emily Talalevsky, Gabriella Blagerman, Delfina Rodriguez, Rafaela Mendes, Chloe Golan, Natalie Hayun, Lindsey Eichner, Nikita Orlhac, Cara Hammond, Verona Bernal, Daviana Campbell, Givlia Corniato, Neil Shimon, and Natalie Campo.

Thank you to our coaches:  Michelle Mellgren, Brittany Crawford, Keyana Taylor, and Phallon Walker.  And, a special thanks to the parents/guardians for helping make this success possible!