ALLENTOWN:

The Allentown Pop Warner Pee Wee cheerleaders were recognized by the borough for their success on the state, regional and national cheer and dance competition levels at the Borough Council meeting last week.

by David Kilby, Special Writer
ALLENTOWN — The Allentown Pop Warner Pee Wee cheerleaders were recognized by the borough for their success on the state, regional and national cheer and dance competition levels at the Borough Council meeting last week.
   The squad of 14 took first place in the 2013 Central Jersey Cheer Championship, second place in the State Cheer Competition, first place in the Eastern Region Cheer Championship and first place in the National Cheer and Dance Championship.
   After receiving certificates of recognition and appreciation from the council, the cheerleaders shared their thoughts on their love for cheerleading and working as a team.
   ”I like stunting and tumbling,” said fourth-grade cheerleader Emily Nolan, when asked what she likes about cheerleading. She said when she was competing on the national level, “I was really happy.”
   ”It was an amazing season,” said Coach Jodi Stewart. “It’s an honor to coach the girls. They’re very talented and dedicated.”
   She also mentioned that last year the squad took third place in the nation.
   ”A lot of the girls have worked together since they were five,” she continued, adding that the reason they’re so successful is because they really work well together as a team, and are like family to one another.
   The cheerleaders apparently have formed strong friendships through the squad’s hard work.
   ”I liked meeting new friends and learning the motions and stunting,” said fourth-grade cheerleader Reagan Stewart.
   Sixth-grade cheerleader Maggie Nolan said she decided to join the cheerleading squad when she saw the trophy her friend won on the squad.
   ”I thought that was so cool,” she said of the trophy, and then went on to say “It’s more about the team than yourself. We all treat each other like sisters.”
   Andy Clark, president of Allentown Pop Warner, said that other teams and squads enjoyed success this year as well, sharing that the Junior Pee Wee cheerleading squad won its state championship.
   Also, the Pee Wee football team apparently benefited from the cheering on that it got from their national cheerleading champs, as the football team finished as state champions in the Central Jersey Conference as well.