Parkland School District cheerleaders attended Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp, Aug. 12-15, at Chestnut Hill Lake, Honesdale where multiple awards were won by middle school, junior varsity and varsity squads.

Varsity, coached by Sami Jo Crivellaro and Cara Ceward, took first place in extreme routine, second place in sideline, and fourth place in cheer.

“That is a huge honor, to be the top team in [extreme routine] in that small division,” said Crivellaro. “We were against teams with 12 and 20 girls, so to win that felt great.”

Varsity cheerleaders include captains Jessie Duke and Madison Smith, as well as Hanna Johnson, Alexis Prodes, Mackenzie Snyder, Kelsey Frary, Hanna Zarzecki, Katelyn Rizzetto, Eileen Jeon, Kyleigh Haas, Madison Kinsley, Jessica Homa, Madison Gagge, Emma Matrishin, Elizabeth Njie, and Grace Bacharach.

Junior varsity, coached by Lauren Yenolevich and Sarah Roberts, placed first in cheer, second in extreme routine, and third in sideline.

“They came out pushing,” said Crivellaro. “The future is looking bright for them.”

Middle school cheerleaders, coached by Heather Jones and Mary Nomie, earned first place in cheer, first place in extreme routine, second place in sideline, and game day routine camp champion.

“They won out of all the middle schools,” Crivellaro said. “They were so ecstatic. They were even sad we weren’t practicing the next day. When you take first, you’re working great together. They hit it all.”

The entire Parkland program earned the top banana award, having shown the most dedication and spirit throughout their time at camp.

Rizzetto, Zarzecki, and Jeon were named All-American cheerleaders and earned a trip to London to cheer with other All-American cheerleaders from across the country.

Haas and Zarecki received a Pin it Forward pin to honor their leadership and their drive to help others.

“You take the girls out of Allentown, out of their environment, put them in the woods in cabins, and it’s the best bonding experience,” said Crivellaro. “All they do is cheer from 8:30 in the morning until 5:00 or 6:00 at night,” said Crivellaro. “The bonding lasts, and our group of seniors is amazing. They all bring something to the table.”

Last week was Parkland’s first football game of the season.

“The girls were really ready for it,” said Crivellaro. “The parents were excited and we got lots of compliments. This week we’re at home against Nazareth, and the girls are even more excited for that.”