SENATOR JEFF KLEIN HONORS LOCAL CHEERLEADERS FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) honored the Junior Varsity cheerleading squad of St. Catherine Academy today. The students ranked first in the non-tumbling division, making history at the 2016 Universal Cheerleading Association National High School Cheerleading championship. Senator Klein presented the team with a proclamation honoring their achievement and dedication, and the cheerleaders all received congratulatory certificates.

“Today we recognize the hard work and perseverance of St. Catherine Academy’s Junior Varsity cheerleaders. Their sportsmanship, coupled with the outstanding academic program at St. Catherine's, will keep our national champions on a path for success,” said Senator Jeff Klein.  “Congratulations to our talented students!”

“St. Catherine Academy is so proud of our cheerleaders and coaches for their hard work and dedication keeping with the tradition of our school for excellence.  We are thrilled that Senator Klein  came to visit our school as soon as I contacted him.  Having our state senator present is now a reality bestowed on us,” said Sister Patricia Wolf, president of St. Catherine Academy.

The school proudly displayed the Universal Cheerleading Association first place banner and the cheerleaders wore the prestigious white jackets and gold medals. Members of the JV Cheerleading team include: Abbygayle Clark, Angelena Cancel, Kasandra Padua, Cindy Mejia, Alexis Daniels, Kristin Markgraf, Amanda Turner, Alene Ortiz, Grace Rios, Serna Colon, Briana Colon, Brianna Franco, and Keyana Brown.

“This championship is proof of how far hard work, dedication, and commitment can take you,” said JV coaches Danielle Pennacchia and Janeen Dorsey. “Nine months ago, they were a new, inexperienced team, mostly freshmen. Today, they call themselves National Champions.  Speaking for all of the coaches, we couldn’t be more proud of them, not just for the win, but for the climb they took to become the national champions.”

St. Catherine Academy also achieved a seventh place rank at the national competition in Small Varsity, Division II. The Varsity and JV teams are the only nationally ranked cheerleading teams in the Bronx.