Harbor pep squad is tops

The Newport Harbor High School pep squad came home champions after attending a national competition in Las Vegas last weekend.

At SHARP International’s competition in the Cashman Center Saturday, the cheer team placed first in the extra large advanced cheer division and in the junior varsity stunt team division, while the baton team placed first in the majorette division, according to an email from the squad’s advisor, Kris Higman.

The song team took third place in the small/medium pom division. The varsity stunt team came in third for its division, while the mascot team came in third for the senior novelty character division.

In individual events, Kendall Burnand took second and Cassidy Winters took third in the tumble off. Matilda Higman placed first, Brittany Wells placed second, and Carly Lenk and Teddie Heart tied for third in the baton twirl off. Brook Gray placed third in the toe touch competition.

The squad received the overall Showmanship Award.

Higman said she and coaches Amanda Pabon, Alysia Cornwell and Kristen Collins are proud of all the students for their hard work and dedication. The team will perform its championship routines during Spirit Night at 6:30 p.m. March 28 in Harbor’s main gym at 600 Irvine Ave.

— Jamie Rowe

Twitter: @jamierowe3