Scotch Plains – On Saturday, October 20^th, the Somerset County Little Bears Challenger cheerleading squad brought the 1,000 plus spectators at the Scotch Plains High School gymnasium to their feet for a standing ovation following their performance at the Pop Warner Mountain Valley Conference cheer competition. As one judge wrote, “they showed the true spirit of a cheerleader” with their heart, cheer, voices, smiles, teamwork, hard work, commitment and were an inspiration to all in attendance.

The Little Bears program is an all volunteer program hosted by the Pop Warner Mountain Valley Conference. The cheer squad range from 2^nd through 9^th graders with special needs. This was the 2^nd year in a row that they have performed at the Mountain Valley Conference competition and all attendees witnessed how these gifted cheerleaders can give back more than ever imagined to the community through hope and inspiration.

Below is a picture of the Little Bears squad made up of Aisling Canavan, Morgan Czajkowski, Ashley Fetchina, Laura Karg, Samantha Letts, Ally Levine, Deanna Oller, Leah Ossi, Madison Ruiz, Alexis Soulios, and Jadyn Waiser. They are coached by Joanne Weems, Michelle Jones, Pam Biondo, Courtney Biondo and Nancy DiGraziano.  Junior coaches are Taylor Kaschak, Mel Ossi, Ashley Weems & Erin Weems. The Challenger program was spearheaded by Mountain Valley Conference President, Ken DeGraziano.