Morgan Conlon, JV, and Annie McDonald, Varsity, with the second graders. The Garden City High School Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading squads recently hosted more than 150 girls at the third annual cheerleading clinic on Saturday, May 2. 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 2010 cheerleading clinic, so watch for more information next spring.

Maria Gullo, Varsity, stops to pose for a picture with some of the fifth grade girls.

The smiles on these first grade girls show what a fun day it was. JV cheerleaders McLaine Rich and Katie Doud stop for a break with the girls they coached. "Hey sailor!" Playing Ships and Sailors is always a highlight of the cheer clinic. Future cheerleaders are all smiles at the clinic. Kaitin Harrison, Varsity, smiles with some of the first graders she coached. Learning a high V. JV cheerleaders Adrie Christiansen, Hannah Fuller, Kaitlin Wilson, and Victoria Sollin JV Cheerleaders Margot Ranieri and Jamie Vincent lead a cheer. Varsity cheerleaders Sabine Legros and Cathryne Shine help the girls learn a thigh stand stunt. The Varsity cheerleaders showed off their award-winning routine. Here, Heidi Jaye executes a scorpion.