This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

11/13/2017 11:00 PM

Branford Hornets Youth Cheer Team Qualifies for Nationals


The Branford Hornets Youth Cheerleading D10 older squad recently finished in second place at a state competition to earn a spot at the New England Regionals and then took third place there to move on to the national meet in Florida. Pictured from the team are Photo courtesy of Janice Despotakis

The Branford Hornets Youth Cheerleading D10 older squad recently finished in second place at the Connecticut States cheerleading competition, giving the team the opportunity to advance to the New England Regionals competition that were held on Nov. 18. Branford finished in third place at the regional meet to advance to nationals in Florida on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Branford’s D10 older team is coached by Head Coach Joanna Despotakis and assistant coaches Jessica Raucci, Elaine Orsini, and Susan Manzo. The members of the team are Sofia Manzo, Lilly Geddes, Sydney Geddes,

Jessica Piazza, Chelsea Barron, Tatum Giordano, Caityn Reily, Molly Brunson, Marlana Dias, Emma Melvin, Isabella Severino, Lynka Orosz, Zu Zu Pont Strong, Lillian Gagliardi, Alexandra Testanero, Devyn Rhodes, Sasha Perkins, and Randee Chobian.

The Hornets’ D10 older team’s success has been one of the major highlights of an overall successful season for the Branford Youth Cheerleading program. Branford’s D12 and D14 teams each placed fourth at the Connecticut States cheerleading competition. The D8 and D10 younger Hornets’ squads both placed in the top three at the local Ansonia competition. At the local competition held in Shelton, Branford’s D12 squad took first place, while the D14 squad finished in third place.

Information courtesy of Janice Despotakis

There’s been a lot of success in the Branford Youth Cheer program this fall, and the Hornets’ D10 team is a shining example of that as they are on their way to nationals. Photo courtesy of Janice Despotakis