Cheerleaders Recognized at Annual Banquet
The Medford High School Varsity Cheerleading team with their national championship trophy in Orlando, Florida in March. Photo courtesy Assistant Coach Lisa Evangelista.
– Lisa Evangelista, Assistant Coach
The Medford Mustang Cheerleaders celebrated their undefeated season at their annual year end banquet held last week at Montvale Plaza. Both the varsity and junior varsity teams were recognized, as well as, the graduating seniors…(8) in all.
In addition, members of the 1998 MHS Cheerleaders, who won the first ever State & National Championships attended and were honored on the 10th anniversary. The team, also went undefeated, winning the GBL, the Winter State title and the National title back in 1998. Those attending from that team included: Capt Kim Scanlon, Nicole Fortino, Kim Miraglia, Nicole Lombardi, Darcy Gilleo, Stacey DeVenne, Nicole Lena Hallahan, Amy Malone, and Nannette Ciampa, along with their Coach Cheryl Pasinato who made remarks as part of the program.
Trophies were presented to: MVP – Courtney Galvin, Most Spirited- Jenn O’Brien, Most Improved-Christina Cardone, Rookie of the Year-Jessica Medeiros, Coaches Award- Krysten Sheppard, Most Dedicated-Capt Janelle DeSanto, & Unsung Hero-Courtney Hayes. Scholarships were awarded to: Highest Ranked Senior-Gianna Aliberti (The Patricia Fargo-Sollitto Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award), Unsung Senior Award –Capt Brittany Medeiros, The Alumni Cheering Award-Capt Paige McGlynn & the Ashley Burns Memorial Award-Capt Janelle DeSanto. The Captains for next year were also announced and they are: Courtney Galvin & Lisa Cardone.
The Varsity Cheerleaders were undefeated this year, winning the GBL, the North Regional Title, the Mass State Title and the National Title. They received polar fleece jackets for winning the Mass State Title and currently are in the process of fundraising for National Championship rings.
The Junior Varsity Team also won the GBL title in the fall and award medals were presented to: Coaches Award-Capt Karli Keating, MVP-Capt Kristin Moore, & Most Improved-Lauren Moore.
The banquet provided the opportunity for the team to be able to thank their most loyal supporters including Marty Murphy, the Medford Kiwanis Club, the VFW, East Elite Cheer Gym, Mystic Wellington Yacht Club, Townline Bowling, Athletic Director Bob Maloney, Dr. Paul Krueger, Headmaster and Mayor Michael J. McGlynn.
The graduating seniors included: Capt Paige McGlynn-4 yr member, who will attend UMass Amherst, Capt Brittany Medeiros-4 yr member, who will attend UConn, Capt Janelle DeSanto-4 yr member, who will attend UMass Amherst, Jordan Joyce-4 yr member, who will attend UMass Boston, Gianna Aliberti-4 yr member, who will attend Boston University, Courtney Hayes-who will attend UMass Amherst, Jenn O’Brien-who will attend Quinnipiac College, and Lindsy Somers who is undecided at this time.
Tryouts for next fall will be held Friday/June 6th (5:30-7:30 PM) & Monday/June 9th (6-8 PM) at Medford High School. There will be an informational clinic hosted by the present team on Tuesday/May 27th (5:30-7:30 PM) in the gymnastics room of MHS. “This purpose of this clinic is to teach the basics of high school cheerleading. It is not required in order to try out, but we just thought it was a great way to introduce especially 8th graders to MHS cheerleading. All are welcomeâ€, said Head Coach Julie Santos. For further information, please check the MHS Cheerleader’s website at www.medfordcheer.com.