Varsity seniors Colleen Vaughn and Jessica Atkinson helped the girls perform a thigh stand stunt. The Garden City High School Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading squads recently hosted more than 150 girls at a cheerleading clinic on Saturday, May 3. Open to children in grades 1 through 5 and held at the GCHS gym, the clinic introduced the girls to the fundamentals of cheerleading. They learned several basic cheers, two jumps, a dance, and they played a few fun cheerleader camp games like "Ships and Sailors," all under the supervision of Coach Sara Tucci and Coach Lisa Marino and the two cheerleading squads.

"We're so pleased this clinic has developed into an annual event that kids look forward to," said Sara Tucci, coach of the varsity squad. "We love the opportunity to teach them that cheerleading can offer great cardio exercise and strength-building benefits, a way to learn how to function as a cohesive team, and just a lot of fun. We hope to see these girls trying out for cheerleading when they get to high school." All proceeds from the clinic will go toward helping the two cheerleading squads train for upcoming competitions. Plans are already under way for the 2009 cheerleading clinic, so watch for more information next spring.

The Varsity cheerleaders performed their competition-winning routine. Here, Chelsea Dukes in a basket toss.

Annie McDonald, Varsity, and Katy Mennicken, JV, with two of the second graders they coached. These two friends made enthusiastic cheerleaders. The JV cheerleaders demonstrated one of their signature moves. Maggie Fiala, Varsity, with JV cheerleaders Marisa Murback and Mclaine Rich. First grade girls picked up routines right away. Four cheerful fifth graders made up their own dance routine. First graders S-C-O-R-E!, with JV cheerleader Morgan Conlon leading the way. The 2008 Cheer Clinic Committee: Heather Fiala, Terry Dukes and Meg McDonald, with Varsity Coach Sara Tucci and JV Coach Lisa Marino. Varsity cheerleader Nicole Santangelo with a future cheerleader. Beth Kelly, Varsity, provided lots of one-on-one guidance to the girls.