Friday, June 13, 2025
The Seaford High School varsity cheerleaders received a hero’s welcome as they were celebrated last week with a parade and citation ceremony in recognition of their first-ever national championship.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman led the ceremony on the high school’s front lawn, joined by New York State Senator Steven Rhoads, Nassau County Legislators John Ferretti and Michael Giangregorio, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider. Dozens of community members, Seaford school officials, coaches, and family members also gathered to honor the team’s unprecedented season.
The Vikings clinched the Traditional Division II Small Varsity title at the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship, held Feb. 7–10 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The win came after years of hard work and near-misses at the national level, where Seaford has competed annually since 2012.
“This is truly a remarkable accomplishment,” Blakeman said. “This is something you will remember for the rest of your lives. And we will remember it too.”
Legislator John Ferretti also commended the achievement, noting the important role played by parents, teachers, and administrators.
“All of you played a part,” he said. “And thank you once again to County Executive Bruce Blakeman for always acknowledging the outstanding accomplishments of our young people.”
Led by head coach Lisa Ferrari, the team advanced directly to the national finals for the first time in program history, bypassing the semifinal round after placing first in their preliminary bracket. They went on to top a field of 96 teams to earn the national title.
Ferrari, who announced this would be her final season as head coach after 17 years, said the win was the culmination of years of effort and sacrifice.
“It’s like that elusive dream — something you always hope for and reach for,” Ferrari said, “but you don’t know if it will ever actually happen.”
In addition to their national success, the Vikings also won their second consecutive state championship in December at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Division II Small Varsity competition in Binghamton. The team of 21 athletes practiced three hours a day, six days a week throughout the season.
As the parade ended and team members received citations for their accomplishments, Coach Ferrari thanked the students, families, and community members who helped make the victory possible.
“This is a day we always dreamed of happening,” she said. “And it means so much to share it with the people who supported us every step of the way.”
