Cheering in East Rockaway

‘INSPIRE, the youth level one team, place second with one of the highest scores in their division.

Courtesy Joanne Cassidy/Five Star Cheer

Monica Rodriguez, Molly Butler, Cassie Araujo and Isabel Araujo showed off their jackets.

Courtesy Joanne Cassidy/Five Star Cheer

Trophy winners: “Platinum” team took first place in the Senior Co-ed level 2 team. PLATINUM TEAM: From left bottom row were Lilly Greenwald, Jessi Zimmerman, Victoria Evans, Ajane Harris. Second Row: Cassidy Phillips, Samantha Halper, Danielle Rafal, Kathryn Pietrowitcz, Monica Rodriguez, Caitie Bermudez, Lara Klyachman, Megan Gallagher, Cristina Cassidy, Nicole DiBenedetto. Top Row: Andrew Copeland, Ashley Skoblow, Cassie Araujo, Colby Rees, Molly Butler, Ali Isaia, Isabel Araujo, Daniel Copeland.

Courtesy Joanne Cassidy/Five Star Cheer

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Here in East Rockaway, so many people are still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy so we should take every opportunity to report the bright spots and realize that with every movement forward it shows our community’s perseverance and strength and who better to look toward for those qualities than our kids.

The weekend of March 9 and 10 was a time to remember for the athletes from the Five Star Cheer program. Four of these athletes coming from East Rockaway High School, a place still reeling from the destruction caused by the storm. Cassie Araujo, Isabel Araujo, Molly Butler and Monica Rodriguez, together with their team boarded a plane and headed for Orlando, Florida to compete at one of the most prestigious competitions in competitive cheerleading. UCA Internationals, held in the most magical place on earth — Disney World!

Earning bids at UCA summer camp, two of the Five Star teams were invited to compete against teams from around the world in hopes of leaving with a championship title, a gold medal, the first place trophy and a banner to display in their gym, not to mention the coveted black jackets!

These talented athletes from Five Star truly lived up to our name. INSPIRE, our youth level one team, placed second with one of the highest scores in their division and PLATINUM, our senior co-ed level two team took first place bringing home the championship title…and the jackets!!

The cheer program at Five Star Sports and Entertainment Academy has evolved over the years starting out with one team consisting of nine kids all under the age of 10. The program has grown tremendously now consisting of four teams with a total of 75 athletes and has earned and established their place in the world of competitive cheerleading.