Every year, teams from all over Northeast America congregate and compete in the annual Northeast Regional Championship Cheer Competition. On Nov. 11, the Hillsborough Competition team arrived in Toms River at the Pine Belt Arena ready to challenge teams from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Hillsborough’s team ferociously flipped and cheered their way into top 5, in the Varsity Division 1 category. Ultimately, their stellar performance won them a bid to go to Nationals in Walt Disney World this February.

“The girls on Saturday did an amazing job,” head coach Danielle Depirri said. “They hit a very powerful routine and should be extremely proud of themselves, we as coaches are beaming with pride!”

Walt Disney World’s competition is for teams around the country who also received a bid to compete for the national title. The team this year consists of cheerleaders who are very dedicated and hardworking to improve their craft.

Apart from the school cheer team, the competition team is comprised of girls who were evaluated at tryouts and who showcased above average skill sets.

This outstanding group of 13 girls has a lot to work for in order to achieve their goal of winning in Florida. Bonds and lifelong friendships will be formed as these cheerleaders train together in order to obtain a victory.

The team is currently fundraising to go to nationals and need to raise approximately $15,000 to attend. They are planning a number of fundraisers within the next few months and are hoping that the student body and faculty will support them in their endeavor.

This team needs all the support they can get to ensure all the success they can get.