Hillsborough Jr. Raider Cheerleaders Make Some Noise

As the winds were picking up outside, the noise was rising inside Hillsborough High School as the Hillsborough Jr. Raider’s Annual Cheer Rally got underway on Sunday afternoon (October 28th). 

The event began will all squads gathering together and leading the crowd in the National Anthem.  The entire group then reprised their spirit dance to “We Are Family”, which was debuted at Spirit Night on August 20th. 

Awards were presented to 21 eighth graders who will be graduating from the Jr. Raider program at the close of the season.  These graduates were: Nicole Bessasparis, Kelly Boccippio, Emily Boose, Rebecca DelCore, Tara Dolan, Erin Donoghue, Kaitlin Hands, Sarah Kreiswirth, Mackenzie Lutzky, Gabriella Luzi, Grace Marnell, Samantha Marsh, Kara McLaughlin, Courtney Neary, Jessica Raichel, Elizabeth Reilly, Hannah Stuart, Julia Suplick, Carly Tarnoski, Alyssa Wehrle, and McKayla Wells.

Camie Johnsen, Director of the Jr. Raider Cheerleading program, expressed her gratitude to three of the program’s junior coaches, who will be graduating high school in June.  She thanked Erica Marks, Teresa Riccardi, and Carol Ann Sharo, for sharing with Jr. Raider cheerleaders their “enthusiasm and love of cheer.”  To them Johnsen noted, “You graduate leaving us with lasting memories of little girls in pleated skirts that have grown into beautiful young women.”

In addition to performances by 12 cheer squads, with girls from Kindergarten through 8th grade, the audience was treated to a special performance by the Jr. Raiders Jammin’ Dads.  The Jammin’ Dads are a squad comprised of eight Jr. Raider fathers and one brother who banded together to learn a special performance just for the rally.  The squad was comprised of Kevin Baker, Patrick Cusack, Wally Harris, Paul Kouroupas, Christian Salvacion, Keanu Salvacion, Mike Savidge, Salvatore Volpe, and Ryan West.

It was an afternoon filled with spirit, thrills, and laughter.  The Jr. Raiders thank all of the Coaches, Jr. Coaches, parents and volunteers who have given so many hours of their time for each and every one of their cheerleaders.  The afternoon truly showed the meaning of team spirit.