SMCHS Cheer Has Banner-Waving Day

Article submitted by Sean Zeitler

Santa Margarita Varsity Cheerleaders were crowned California State Champions in the Large Varsity Show Cheer division at the 2012-2013 CHEERpros California State Championships held at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario over the weekend. The Varsity Songleaders were California State Champions in both Medium Varsity Pom division and Medium Varsity Jazz. The Varsity Song team is undefeated heading to UDA Nationals this Thursday.

In addition to the team accomplishments, five young ladies were also named to the Cheer Pros CA ALL STATE TEAM: Maeve McDonnell of Coto de Caza, Paige Frederick of Mission Viejo, Danielle Wood of Dove Canyon, Darien Lee of Rancho Santa Margarita, and Mari Yacoubian of Ladera Ranch.

Coach Danielle Calta was awarded California State Dance Coach of the Year.

Scholarship winners include:

• Paige Frederick- Cheer Pros CA State Cheer Athleticism Scholarship ($500)
• Danielle Wood- Cheer Pros CA State Dance Athleticism Scholarship ($250)
• Darien Lee- Cheer Pros CA State Academic and Community Outreach Scholarship ($250)
• Mari Yacoubian- Cheer Pros CA State Cheer Top Athlete Scholarship ($1,000)

Next up for the Eagles, Varsity Cheer and Varsity Song will travel to compete at UCA Nationals February 9-10 and UDA Nationals February 2-3.