SAUGUS — The Saugus Board of Selectmen honored the 27 members of the Saugus Pop Warner B Cheerleading team Tuesday night, after the squad won the National Championship at Disney World last month.
“They’re a very special team,” said coach Tayler Joyal. “Last year they were undefeated and they won nationals. This season they got first place at floor competitions ”¦ and won the nationals again with the highest score in their age division. They did a great job.”
The team moved up in the age brackets and jumped two skill levels after winning a national title last year. The team went from Pee Wee Novice to Junior Midgets Level 3, which means the stunts got harder and the music got faster.
Because the girls recorded the highest score of the entire competition, they earned the Grand National Championship as well.
Selectmen Chairman Michael Serino congratulated the team for its big win.
“I’m so proud of you,” said Serino. “These kids are a great asset to our community. Congratulations and I hope to see you back here next year.”
Selectman Debra Panetta thanked the girls for working so hard and giving their “blood, sweat and tears.”
“All I know is, I used to cheer many years ago and I know how hard you work with competition and getting everything together,” said Panetta. “Twice? That’s crazy. That’s amazing. You must be so proud.”
Selectman Stephen Horlick said seeing the team win is the best part about being a selectman.
“Just before Christmas we had another group of students from the town and this is just such a phenomenal talent to succeed two years in a row in an event that gets harder and harder,” said Horlick. “Your parents must be so proud of you. The community is. I am. The best part about being an elected official in this town is the wonderful children we have and the students that keep succeeding year after year. I wish you the best for next year. Make it three in a row.”
Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].
