Cheerleaders Head to National Competition

Need to Raise $12,000 in Two Months

The 2007 Medford High School Cheerleading team. Photo courtesy Judy Brudney.

– Allison Goldsberry

It’s been five years since the Medford High School Cheerleading team traveled to a national competition, with the team instead focusing on doing well on the new score sheet.

After winning their first-ever fall state title following an unbeaten season, the team is now hoping to compete at the Cheerleaders of America Ultimate National Championship in Orlando in the spring, and the girls need to raise $12,000 in just two months.

“In the past, we have actually planned to travel in the summer prior to the fall competition season, therefore planning fundraisers accordingly. But this year, that did not enter our minds…To be planning to travel to Nationals at this late date, well, it was just not even a blip on our radar screen! So, we are hoping for assistance from the community,” said Coach Julie Santos in a statement.

According to Santos, Mayor Michael McGlynn has agreed to again serve as honorary chair of the team’s annual bowling tournament on Sunday, January 13, 2008. The girls also plan on holding a fundraising cheerleading competition at the high school and will likely brave the cold during the holiday season with canning drives.

Anyone interested in helping out the team can get donation information on the cheerleading website or contact Assistant Coach Lisa Evangelista at levangelista@medford.org.

“The Medford High School Cheerleaders appreciate everyone’s support and look forward to representing the city of Medford on the national stage,” said Santos.