Cheerleaders Seeking Help to Fund Trip

After countless seasons of lending support to its athletic teams, the Van Nuys High School cheerleading squad is looking for a little support of its own.

The 15-member squad has been raising money since November to fund a trip to the Universal Cheerleading Assn.’s national competition that begins Feb. 6 in Florida.

The cheerleaders raised about $4,000 of the $6,200 needed, according to Coach Cheri Brown. The rest of the money will have to come from the pockets of the cheerleaders, she said, adding it’s not too late for residents and area businesses to help.

“It’s a lot of money for the students and their families to come up with,” she said.

The Van Nuys squad should have taken a cue from the Granada Hills High School dance team, which raised $20,000 to send its 15 members to the dance portion of the competition that starts Jan. 29.

The Granada Hills squad raised the money through various events, including hosting a Monte Carlo night at the school.

It is the seventh straight year Granada Hills Coach Paula Dribble’s team will attend the competition, but the first year for the members of this team--all of whom were on the state champion junior varsity squad last year.

Brown’s squad experienced similar success a couple of months ago after it won the UCA regional citywide tournament.

Similar success is not guaranteed in the nationals. For the past two years, the Van Nuys squad has struggled, especially last year when it was plagued by injuries.

“We’re definitely more confident this year,” Brown said.