Neighbors

Valley Stream North H.S. hosts annual cheerleading competition

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The gymnasium at North High School echoed with the sounds of cheers and the thuds of cheerleaders sticking landings on December 7 as the Valley Stream North Spartan Club hosted its annual cheerleading competition and fundraiser.

“It was a great time, and it really always is,” said club president Paul Kaye. “It really was fantastic, the place was packed and everyone seemed to be having a great time. It’s a great event and we love to have it each year.”

The tournament, in its 30th year, raises money for scholarships for North High School seniors. Kaye called the event a big success.

“We had over 1,000 people come through the doors, and we raised a lot of money,” Kaye said. “We don’t have exact figures, but we were able to raise enough funds to fund partial scholarships for ten graduating seniors, and any money that is left over will be used to fund the entire school’s athletic programs.”

The day kicked off with a morning session that featured a competition among junior varsity cheer teams and a performance from the Molloy College cheerleading team. Glen Cove High School took home the first place title, with Calhoun High School in Merrick coming in second and Garden City High School placing third.

In the afternoon, Hofstra’s national championship cheerleading squad performed for the crowd and the varsity cheerleaders took the stage, with 13 schools vying for the crown. Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville won it, with Carle Place High School finishing in second and Calhoun in third.

Jane Shinnick, of Hewlett, said the event is a great place to bring her family. “I come to this all the time, and I typically bring my daughter and a friend or two,” she said. “It’s a great atmosphere, almost like at a big-time high school basketball or football game, and it’s great for the girls to see female athletes and cheerleaders compete on this level.”

Valley Stream North’s cheerleaders do not compete in the event, only serving as hosts for visiting schools. Mary Spiegel, of Hewlett, brought her daughters to the event and said the hosts were helpful.

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