The NAHS varsity competition cheerleading team has been in full swing since the New Year began. The team is made up of 13 extremely dedicated girls who put a lot of time and effort into cheerleading. Other than cheering at basketball games, the competition team practices 3 to 4 times a week and they each attend a gymnastics class once a week during their own time. Captain Rebecca Ryan said, “We work hard at every practice during the week and hope for the best at our competitions on the weekend.”

Throughout the season, the North Arlington Cheerleading squad might have worked harder than any team this entire year. Their grueling practices every day and competitions on the weekend showed that these girls were dedicated to what they love to do. Their hard work paid off when they traveled to Orlando, Florida to perform in front of the toughest judges in the country at The Contest of Champions. Throughout the weekend, the cheerleaders enjoyed a break from their tough schedule to take part in events like a team scavenger hunt as well as spending time in the pool and taking trips to many of the famous Disney Theme Parks.

However, it wasn’t all fun and games for the girls while they were there. In the humid Florida weather, the girls had practice on the open turf fields at the resort where they stayed. These practices fixed all the small problems they had in their routine. Finally, in their last performance of the year, the cheerleaders laid everything on the mat while executing a near perfect routine. The judges were very clear about whom they wanted to take first prize, and it was the NAHS girls! They were pitted against about 15 teams and came out National Champions. Not only did they defeat every team in their division, but they were less than two points away from winning overall grand champions for the entire competition. The goals that the girls had throughout the entire season have clearly been met as they brought home the title of National Champions for their hometown. Congratulations to all the North Arlington high school cheerleaders and coach – we are extremely proud of you!