The Penn-Trafford Competitive Cheerleading team traveled to Orlando, Florida in mid-February to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championship. The team qualified for the championship at the regional competition at Slippery Rock University which was held in November.
The game day team performed its high-energy routine on Friday, February 11. Game Day is a new style of competition and a way to bring school traditions and the energy of “friday night lights” to the competition floor. The routine featured original songs "Warriors" and "On To Victory." Both songs were performed and recorded by the Penn-Trafford band (directed by Mr. David Cornelius) specifically for this occasion.
The team also performed its traditional routine three times during the competition, to advance to the semi-finals and then the national finals on February 13. The competition was fierce and the team finished in 9th place out of 35 teams.
“Our team put their heart and souls on the mat,” said coach Katie Caruso. “We were so proud to be in the finals among the best teams in the country. We are so thankful to our wonderful administration, athletic director Kerry Hetrick, and band director, David Cornelius for all their support throughout the season.”