Honoring the Father Judge Cheerleading Team on Winning the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

WHEREAS, The National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC)is held at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida and is televised on ESPN and ESPN 2 to more than 100 million homes and 32 countries annually; and

WHEREAS, In order to get to nationals, Judge had to overcome many obstacles, including the fact that they had lost 11 seniors from last years' team. Most of the current cheerleaders had never competed at the national championship before; and

WHEREAS, To prepare for their routine the team spends countless hours training and practicing year round. In addition to practicing, the team performs at all Father Judge football and basketball games; and

WHEREAS, During the competition, the squad performs a two and a half minute routine packed with stunts, pyramids, elite tumbling skills, cheers and dance. These routines take a tremendous amount of endurance, strength and stamina; and

WHEREAS, Father Judge competed against 34 teams in the “Large Varsity” division, which means competing with 20 girls on their squad; and

WHEREAS, This is the 8th year that Father Judge Cheerleading has been to the NHSCC and their first ever national championship; and

WHEREAS, The head coach of the team is Lisa McNesby and she is assisted by Paul Ballentine, Siobhan Latta, Kelly Macartney, Terrie Casper, Kristen Bieringer; and

WHEREAS, Father Judge Cheerleading was also named Best of Philly in 2009 by Philadelphia Magazine, scoring a picture on the cover; and

WHEREAS, In addition to practice and schoolwork, the girls still find time to volunteer with various charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes, the Red Cross and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend the Father Judge High School Cheerleading Team on winning the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Father Judge Cheerleaders and their coaches, further evidencing the sincere appreciation and admiration of this legislative body.

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