Cheerleaders Recognized at Banquet
Senior Cheerleaders pictured left to right: Annie Raimo, Christina Cardone, Captain Lisa Cardone and Captain Courtney Galvin. Courtesy photo.
The following was submitted to InsideMedford.com for publication by Assistant Cheering Coach Lisa Evangelista:
The Medford High School Mustang Cheerleaders were recently honored at their annual banquet held at Montvale Plaza.
Head Coach Julie Brown Santos, who is retiring after four years at the helm, was also honored. The banquet was for all team members, but most especially to celebrate and bid farewell to the senior class. This year’s graduating class includes: Captain Lisa Cardone, (heading to Boston University in the fall), Captain Courtney Galvin, (Salem State), Anne Raimo, (UMass Lowell), and Christina Cardone, (BU). Each of the ladies is a four year members of the MHS cheerleading program.
Awards, voted on by the team, were presented to the following team members: Most Spirited – Krysten Sheppard; Rookie of the Year – Breanna Hughes; Unsung Hero – Anne Raimo; Most Dedicated – Christina Cardone; Coaches Award – Fall Season – Capt. Lisa Cardone; Coaches Award- Winter Season – Audrey Farenga; Most Improved – Lindsey Mills; & MVP – Capt. Courtney Galvin.
In addition, scholarships were awarded to the following: Unsung Senior Scholarship – Anne Raimo; MHS Alumni Cheering Scholarship – Christina Cardone; Ashley Burns Memorial Scholarship – (courtesy of choreographer Steve Belanger) – Capt. Courtney Galvin; Highest Ranked Senior Scholarship – Capt. Lisa Cardone (class rank 14th)
Since Coach Santos was retiring she received a watch and a special director’s chair from her team. Previous team members from the past 4 years were in attendance, and former Captain Paige McGlynn spoke about Coach Santos on their behalf. It was a nice tribute. Coach Santos is retiring to spend more time with her young family. She is turning over the reins to her assistant coach and former MHS Cheerleader Melissa Pothier.
As always, the Cheerleaders made note of all the support they received from Athletic Director Bob Maloney and his staff, including Noreen O’Connor and Jim Cerullo, Mayor Mike McGlynn, Medford Kiwanis Club, East Elite Cheer Gym, Marty Murphy, and all of the parents. Due to grave losses throughout the MHS cheer family, a donation was made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in all of their memories.
Members of the 2008-2009 Mustang Cheerleaders include: Lisa and Christina Cardone, Anne Raimo, Courtney Galvin, Cali Keene, Lindsey Mills, Kristin Moore, Karli Keating, Audrey Farenga, Darla Vitale, Jessica Albano, Krysten Sheppard, Veronica Hernandez, Breanna Hughes, Brianna Walsh, Caitlin Fennessey, Rossella Viola, Daniella Colozzo, Jessica Medeiros, Francesca DiClemente and Jessika Edward. The girls are coached by Santos, Pothier, Kaitlyn Contardo and Lisa Evangelista.
Tumbling and conditioning classes will begin Thursday, May 7th at MHS from 5-7PM for anyone who may be interested in trying out in June. Tryouts for the fall team will be held at MHS June 16th & 17th. Eighth graders are encouraged to attend!!! Questions?? Please email Coach Pothier at melisseerr@yahoo.com or Coach Evangelista at levangelista@medford.org.