The Southbridge Public Schools varsity cheerleading team won first place in its division and an overall spirit award at a national cheer competition on Saturday.
Southbridge achieved a perfect routine, taking first place in the advanced coed all-music category at the Eastern Cheer Hershey National Competition on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
“The kids really stood up to the pressure. They didn’t let it hold them back, and they gave it their all,” said cheer coach Brianaliz Colon, who has coached the team since 2016.
Coach Colon, a Southbridge Public Schools alumna, said the school last competed in a national cheer championship in 1984. This year’s team won the MSAA regional championship before taking third at the state championship at Worcester State University in March, where the team qualified for the national competition.
Southbridge also won the “Show Your Spirit” award, for the enthusiasm shown both by the team and the fans in attendance.
“They just came together as a group and just proved to everyone why they deserved to be there,” Coach Colon said.
“We’re proud of how well our students represented Southbridge Public Schools on a national stage, demonstrating the value of hard work and dedication,” said Receiver/Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey A. Villar.