NAC cheer squad takes first at AmeriCheer Internationals

ELLENBURG | It was a trip of a lifetime for the Northern Adirondack Central competitive cheer squad when they earned top honors at the recent AmeriCheer Internationals at Universal Orlando. NAC Varsity Cheer Coach Mindy Guerin said the squad began planning for the trip last March as cheerleaders, families, local businesses, the booster club and community came together for months of fundraising to make the trip possible. Substantial grants from Dick's Sporting Goods and Adirondack for Kids helped clinch the final funds for the prestigious competition and four-night stay at Cabana Bay Resort. After months of practice under the guidance of Guerin and JV/Assistant Varsity Coach Sara Matthews-Knight, the squad hit the mats March 14, earning a 72.40 score the first day. Using the judges' comments to improve for Day 2, the squad tallied a 76.20 for an overall 74.68, earning them an impressive first-place win in their division and a One Prime Bid to other finals competitions on the national level in April and May. The squad was able to celebrate in style with four-day park hopper passes to all Universal parks, complete with a costumed DJ party and for some, even a Bebe Rexha concert held at the resort. Guerin credited not only the squad's dedication and determination but the community support that helped make it all possible. "Our community has been absolutely amazing. Their generosity and support was truly humbling," Guerin said. "We definitely made the most of the opportunity we were given. It was very important to all of us that they make their community proud and represent, which they did!" The NAC co-ed competitive team was represented by Kelsey Magoon, Emily Rose, Grace Cook, Brennen McCreless, Maeve Moser, Lily Moore, Charlize Davies, Reese McDonald, Gabriella Hooper and Grayson Gumlaw. The latest win comes on the heels of a successful 2026 local season, where NAC placed first in the Section VII co-ed division and 11th at states, as well as notable finishes in downstate competitions leading up to the Sectional win. Guerin thanked all those who helped make the trip possible, including sponsors: Dick's Sporting Goods, Adirondack For Kids, Leonard Sample (Peck), AES Windpower, Pampered Chef, Altona Fire Department, Dominic's Hardware, Amy Wooten, C. Roberts & Sons Bulk Milk Hauling, Woodmen Life Chapter #462, Mat & Dads Foundations, Eastern Insuring, Surgical Pain Center of the Adirondacks, Ellenburg Auto Parts, Goss Chevrolet, Lafave's Trucking, Taylor Rental, Jack and Karson Myatt, Duprey Feeds, LaValley Sanitation, Moser Engineering, Rainbow Concerts, Magoon's Haulin, Pam and Larry Ross, Sample Lumber, IBC, Rabideau Funeral Home, Chazy Orchards, JP Signs, Arnold Lumber & Concrete, Remember Me Pet Cemetery, Hemlock Ridge Event Bar, Kyle Matthews Real Estate, Jeff Matthews, The Vault, Trombley's Sugar House, Mad Dog Pull Team, Midge's Tastee Freeze, Silver Nichol Quilt & Gift Shop, High Falls Park Campground, Poirier's True Value, Twisted Carrot, the Matthews family, 1 Up Arcade, Little Ceasar's, Hobie's, Play it Again Sports, Sip, Arnie's and Carol Ann Boulrice.

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NAC cheer squad takes first at AmeriCheer Internationals

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