The St. Croix Educational Complex High School Cheerleading Team made history for the U.S. Virgin Islands by earning the silver medal in the Non-Tumbling Super Varsity Division at the World High School Cheerleading Competition Sunday in Orlando, Florida.
Competing for only the second time at the prestigious event, the team also secured third place in the Nations Ranking category.
The 30-member team, known for its dedication and resilience, trained rigorously with minimal rest days leading up to the competition. Their hard work paid off with a performance that left athletes and coaches in tears of joy, according to the press release.
“We will treasure this moment forever,” said senior cheer captains Nayelis St. Omer, Aniyah Williams, and J’Neolise Green. Junior captain Melanie Lewis added, “We are so proud of our accomplishment and humbled by this experience.”
Facing squads with years of experience, the St. Croix cheerleaders stood out for their determination and passion, particularly since many of them had no prior stunting experience before joining the team, the press release stated.
“We admire their grit and passion for the sport,” said Coach Dana Philogene-Victor. “Our vision became a reality, and we cannot ask for anything more,” added Coach Aniah John. Assistant Principal Verne Graham praised the team’s performance, saying, “Our Barra Cheerleaders were phenomenal and exhibited the Barracuda spirit and pride on that stage.”
The team includes: Alia Osborne, Aminah Emanuel, Alyna Richards, Aniyah Williams, Arielle Chery, Aure’ Baptiste, Carilyz Marmolejos, India Ragnauth, Jahilah Carroll, J’Neolise Green, K’Asia O’Bryan, Kayda Baird-Williams, Kaylee Corcino, Kiara Gumbs, K’Layah Parris, K’Taesha Brewster, Kyla Miles, Leiani Byron, Mah’Kaijah Jean, Marley Cassius, Melanie Lewis, Nayelis St. Omer, Ne’zah Barnes, Samyrah Lake, Sa’Niyah Morris, Se’Kaijah Freeman, Sophia Henry, Terrise Mitchell, Zahaira Cromwell, and alternate Aamyah Petersen.
Philogene-Victor and John led the team with specialized training from David Adam Stafford, a cheerleading professional with over 25 years of experience. The team was cheered on by Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Deputy Superintendent Carla Bastian-Knight, Assistant Principal Verne Graham, and devoted family members and friends, the release stated.
For more information, contact Coach Dana Philogene-Victor at dana.philogene@vide.vi.
