A first at nationals for Kellis cheer

March 2, 2010 — The Raymond S. Kellis varsity cheer line competeed recently in the National High School Cheerleading Championships (NHSCC) in Orlando, Fla. The 25-member team competed against more than 400 other teams from 32 states.

Coach Rebecca Lehman, who took over the cheer program two years ago, led the team to its first national competition after placing first in the Desert Southwest Regional All Girl Stunt and Cheer competition last November. The national competition, sponsored by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, was televised on ESPN and ESPN2.

“The girls placed 13th out of 25 teams; this was amazing for their first run!" said Lehman. "Now the girls have seen the talent that there is around the country and have set new goals for the future." To watch the girls' performance, visit varsity.com and type "kellis" in the search bar.

Kellis is in the Peoria Unified School District. For more information, visit peoriaud.k12.az.us.