Kudos are in order for the members of the El Roble Intermediate Cheer Team who garnered second place in the USA Jr. Nationals, held this past March at Disney’s California Adventure. This is the first El Roble team to place in the top three at the annual event.

During a routine whose start was marked by a panther roar, the Lady Panthers danced to a mix of music by pop performers like Lady Gaga, Selena Gomezand Bonnie McKee. The charismatic choreography included lifts, handsprings, back-flips and pyramids, punctuated by El Roble signs and the waving of pom-poms and interspersed with a rousing cheer for the local intermediate school.

The 26-member 2013-2014 El Roble cheer squad competed against the best of the best in the “Large Junior High” division and defeated the defending national champions in an intense final round. Under the guidance of advisor and coach Cesar Govea and assistant coach Nicole Marquez, the girls prepared for their competitive season by practicing throughout the summer and meeting twice a week during the school year.

The squad’s achievement is proof-positive that hard work pays off. Go team!