COSTA MESA : Cheerleaders Reach U.S. Contest Finals

The Costa Mesa High School varsity cheerleading squad has made it to the National Cheerleading Finals in Orlando, Fla.

The squad, called Spirit Leaders, finished first among 50 high schools from across the state in a meet at UCLA last month, sponsored by the United Dance Assn.

Last Friday, the cheerleaders performed the dance that catapulted them into the national finals during a pep rally in the high school’s main gym.

There’s one obstacle in the way of the competition in Orlando, Fla.: The girls must raise $20,000 to pay for the trip.

“We’ve got to raise the money by February,” said an anxious Lance Thompson-Hailstone, whose daughter, Rachel, a junior, is a member of the squad. “That means we need a lot of commitment and a lot of help, because it’s a lot of money in such a short period of time.”

While the cheerleaders are out hawking entertainment booklets that offer 50% off at fancy restaurants and fast-food chains around the county, parents are trying to contact possible sponsors, said Thompson-Hailstone.

Carwashes and garage sales will also be held.

If the girls compete in the finals, it will do wonders for the reputation of the high school, parents and teachers say.

“It will be very prestigious,” said Thompson-Hailstone.

For more information, call Joanne Shimpock at (714) 556-3192. Contributions can be sent to Costa Mesa High School, c/o Spirit Leaders, 2650 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626.