CNY'S BIGGEST CELEBRATION NIGHT EVER!!

They traded their Nike's for Gucci's, their poms for cosmos and half pulled out their ponytails for some layers and bangs – no, it wasn't the Emmy's, but it was all-the-way glam, nevertheless.

Everyone was dressed up to the nines on Cheer New York's anniversary and awards dinner on the night of Sept. 24^th at the swanky hotspot Elmo restaurant in Chelsea. They toasted the team's accomplishments and honored those team members who made a difference in making this past season --its sixth! -- the best ever.

Here are the fantabulous 2008 award winners:

Cheer New York Recognition Awards – Tiffany M., Mike V., Raymund F., Tonika S., Scott W., Clay S., Felipe H.

Cheer Loud, Cheer Proud Award–Nicholas F. & Mike V.

Deney Terio Dance Award–Matt A. & David G.

Mary Lou Retton Award–Dan V.

Best Jumps Award-Will A.

Cheer for Life Award–Rick H.

Unsung Hero Award–Nicholas F.

Miss Congeniality–Mike V.

Newbie Award–Diego T.

CNY Most Improved Flier–Katie M.

CNY Most Improved Mid-Base–Will A., Nicholas F.

CNY Most Improved Base–Raymund F.

CNY Cheerleader of the Year–Rick H!!!

When everyone finished up their speeches, posed for those Facebook pictures and popped all the red-and-blue balloons, they left feeling like 10s and ready for Season No. 7!

-by Raymund F.

(from top: newbies Tre, Lara, Diego and Gray; the ladies of Cheer NY; Cheer Loud, Cheer Proud recipients Mike & Nicholas F; Mary Lou Retton Award winner Dan)

Meet the Cheer NY Newbies: Gray

"I had no idea what to expect when coming to tryouts. I've seen "Bring it On" a million times and was just praying I was not going to be walking into something like the movie...a bunch of college cheerleaders doing handsprings and cheers like crazy. Luckily, I quickly realized there were people of all different skill levels.

Everyone could not have been any nicer. I went to both clinics and had a blast! To top off the great tryouts, I found out I made the team! YAY! I couldn't wait to start practicing and get to know the cheer family!"-Gray (on left with Jason at CNY Anniversary Dinner)

Happy Brithday Heather!

Today is the amazing Heather's birthday!! Heather is not only one incredible flier, she also plays football on the side. Yes, a cheerleader and a football player. And yes, just looking at that smile makes us smile too.

Happy Birthday Heather!! We heart you!

Instant Cheerleader

You thought putting your head on a dancing elf was fun? Wait until you try putting your friends, family, or even your boss's head on a cheerleader. Ohhhhhh yes, some of those bodies ARE provided by yours truly, Cheer New York!!



Don't have too much fun!

Why I Love Cheer New York...

Cheerleader of the Year winners from left Kelsey (2005), Matt (2006), and Mike (2007).

Introducing our New Captains!!

In August all the captain hopefuls sent out heartfelt essays explaining to all of Cheer New York why they should be chosen to help lead the team through another eventful year. Here are a few of our favorite tidbits from the essays:


"I hope that I am given the opportunity to bring a little something extra to the table to CNY. But if not, know that I am not going anywhere. I still plan to give 110% and provide CNY with original cheer music for years to come!" -Mike

"My friends have always told me that I'm a joiner. Nothing could describe me better. And I'm glad I joined this close-knit group, which has already taught me so much as a person and as an athlete. And now, I'm ready to be more involved."-Raymund

"I'm addicted to cheerleading and need you to enable my habit. Signs of addiction include: consistent attendance at practice, signing up for nearly every optional event, maintaining the MySpace page, writing articles for the newsletter and blog, co-planning the annual awards dinner, and uncontrollable clapping."-Katie

Congratulations to Tiffany M, Mike and Raymund, our 2008-2009 Cheer New York Captains and Assistant Captain.

Happy Birthday Brian!!

Today is Brian's Birthday!!

Brian brings a whole lot of amazing skills to Cheer New York. You name it, he can do it from tumbling to dancing. Heck, he'll even let you throw him in the air and make it look incredible!

Happy Birthday Brian! We love you and your washboard abs.

(from left: Mike, Brian and Matt at a Cheer New York Spirit Night)

Meet the CNY Newbies: Ali

"During tryouts I really enjoyed meeting some of the existing team members. Everyone was sooo nice and welcoming, I felt like I made instant friends! When I found out that I made the team, all the newbies emailed each other with congrats! We got a great group!

Since becoming a member, what I experienced during tryouts held true. We have an amazing bunch of talented, good people, and I can't wait to get to know each and every one of them better! Also, it was soooo sweet receiving all the happy birthday messages from people I hadn't even met yet! That was really great!!! CHEER NEW YORK ROCKS!!!!"-Ali

(Ali on left with fellow newbie Tre)

Passing the CNY Captain Torch

At the beginning of Cheer New York's 2008-2009 season, new captains Mike, Tiffany M and Raymund were elected. When asked to reflect on their past year as captains, here is what 2007-2008 captains Manny, Tonika and Katie had to say:

Manny: "I have been lucky enough to have experienced the role of captain 2 times during my almost 7 years on CNY. My first time was way back in 2003 with Clay. I was a lot younger at the time and although I had a good idea what it is to lead people I felt more comfortable with the role of “drill sergeant”. My second season I was joined with two exceptional ladies, Tonika and Katie. With them learned how to reach out to my team members and to my co-captains for support and for those moments where I just needed help.

As CNY begins its 7^th season, my words of experience to captains, admin and my teammates is to be as close as you can be to each other and remember why you are a part of Cheer New York… to have fun, entertain thousands of people and of course help raise money for the CHEER for LIFE Fund!!!!!!!"

Tonika: "So now that my reign is over as captain of Cheer New York I thought I should reflect on a little bit.

This year has really been amazing! I had really tough shoes to fill of not only a wonderful captain and leader of CNY but of my best friend! Kelsey set a standard that I knew I had to live up too!

The year was excellent, being able to participate in so many events, raise money to give back to the community and more. Watching the team grow in skill as well as closeness was my goal as a captain. I really saw the effects of how positive CNY has become when for tryouts we took the largest class since I have been a member (11 new members total!!)

Through the late night phone calls, texts, emails, spirit nights, celebrations, walks, pride, and more I have learned how much the members of this team love CNY! It is the moments that I have had with each and every member of CNY that made the year a success, those moments that brought me to tears and a smile to my face, and those moments which will stay in my heart as I pass the Spirit Stick over to a new group of people to continue this standard of excellence that we call we Cheer New York, Cheer Loud and Cheer Proud!"

Katie: "Last season I was lucky enough to be the first ever Assistant Captain for Cheer New York. CNY captains have much to do, from planning spirit nights to leading warm-ups to remembering and celebrating all 36 of our birthdays! With that being only the tip of the iceberg, CNY Administration created the new position of Assistant Captain to help lighten the load of these hard working folks.

Having the opportunity to work with the captains and Administration this past year really strengthened my love and respect for CNY. Everyone on the squad works full-time jobs in addition to the time put into CNY, including our Administration. With my nonprofit experience, I've always helped out behind the scenes. However, being Assistant Captain gave me the chance to really see the inner workings of our team. Many people just see the glamour of our performances, but what is truly impressive is the work that happens backstage. Without Felipe, Clay, Scott, our captains, and other squad volunteers, we would not have anywhere to perform. We would not have a sound system to play our music, choreography to dance, or uniforms to wear. Most importantly, we wouldn't be able to raise thousands of dollars each year to help charities throughout the city. It was an honor to work closely with this team, and though I am now title-less, I will continue to work off-stage and on to support CNY do what we do best - keeping spirit alive!"

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

Today is our Wonderful Kelsey's birthday!

At Cheer New York we are all blessed that on this date (a long time ago) Kelsey was brought in the world to touch and warm everyone's lives! Kelsey is an amazing woman and has contributed so much to Cheer New York over the years. She has gone from being an outstanding member, to Captain, and now as a lifetime member she is in charge of various concrete staples of CNY (i.e. Cheer NY Blog, Barnes & Noble fundraiser)!

So as we are all grateful for this wonderful day, send Kelsey some BIG BIRTHDAY LOVIN'

Happy birthday Kelsey... We Love you!

(Heather, Kelsey and Tonika from left to right)

Congratulations Maiko!!

Happy Birthday Tiffany G!

Today is Tiffany G's (aka Giffany) birthday!!! Tiff has made a huge impression on Cheer New York with her "I may be small but I can still lift your butt in the air!" attitude. She has an incredible amount of strength and determination.

Make sure to send Tiff all your warmest Happy Birthday wishes!!

(above: Rick, Tiff G, Tiffany M and Nicholas F at the Ramblers Tournament. on the right: Tonika and Tiff G. basing Mike at the Gay Life Expo)

Newbies at Sea

My first event with Cheer New York and I had no idea what was in store, nor had I ever been on a Sea Tea Cruise before. It turned out to be the perfect day for being outside. We performed for an hour as the ticket buyers started boarding the boat. Performing the new fight song dance and all the cheers that I have learned since I joined the team really made an impact to the crowd that was watching. Friends were clapping, people were smiling and we were all certainly ready to get on the boat and have a good time!

As we boarded the boat and changed out of our uniform into jeans and t- shirts, I was greeted by my good friend who bought a bunch of tickets from me (I ended up selling over twenty tickets!), who immediately escorted me upstairs to the dance floor where all my friends were hanging. The music had started and I was ready. We all started to dance. And dance. And dance. And dance. Next thing you know, the sun is down; we had passed the waterfalls, the Statue of Liberty and ABBA’S “Dancing Queen” was blasting as we made our way back to the pier.

So much fun was had by all. In fact, three of my friends now want to try out to be a member of Cheer New York. The most touching part was when someone I hardly know and who had just moved to NYC was so happy to be there with so many fun people. He was so in awe of the fact that although he had been to New York several times, he had never seen the Statue of Liberty and had the opportunity not only to see it up so close, but lit up in all her glory.

Of course, the question that came to me afterwards as we were boarding off the boat was: “Are you guys doing this again next week?” -Jason

Happy Birthday Jennie!!

Today is our very own Jennie M.'s birthday!

Not only has Jennie been a huge contributor to Cheer New York through her fundraising advice and her amazing editing skills but she also really paved the way for the ladies on the team to prove themselves as powerful and reliable bases.



Happy Birthday Jennie! We love you THIS much!!