Congratulations to our new 2009-2010 Captains!

Nicholas P., Lara B. and Katie M. submitted their heartfelt essays on why they would serve as exemplary leaders on Cheer New York and were chosen by their teammates to serve as Co-Captains and Assistant Captain, respectively, for the 2009-2010 cheer season.

The trio will join the current CNY Administration and lead the team to Gay Games in Cologne, Germany next July 2010, our first international trip that will serve as a proud milestone in CNY’s eight-year history.

Starting his second season on Cheer New York, Nicholas P. has proved to be one of the most optimistic and cheerful members on the team. As Co-Captain, he’ll use his positive attitude and organizational skills to help the team achieve their athletic and fiscal goals.

Lara B., also in her second year on the team, showed her leadership skills when she organized and executed a TiVo event for the team in May. Having evolved into the role of one of the main fliers on the team, Co-Captain Lara B. will use her team-building skills to help the team grow athletically.

Katie M., a fifth-year veteran of Cheer New York, will serve as Assistant Captain, a title she originated in 2006-2007. A self-proclaimed (and we agree!) cheerleading addict, Katie M. has outstanding attendance at practices and events. She also contributes to the CNY blog and newsletter.

We look forward to an outstanding 2009-2010 season, led by Captains NichoLaraKat!

And the Spirit Stick Goes to.....

It is Spirit Stick time once again and this month's winner could not be more deserving. Jennie first came to Cheer New York try-outs in 2005 to support her sister Katie (in picture above) and she has been encouraging and supporting all of us ever since! Jennie is kind, thoughtful, passionate, and superbly smart. She has also proved herself again and again as an incredibly capable base (and recently a flier!!).

Name/Nicknames: Jennie -- never really had a nickname Hometown: I grew up in Chino Hills, CA, but have been in NYC for 10 years Occupation: fundraiser for nonprofit arts organizations When did you join CNY: July 2009 will be my four year anniversary Previous cheer experience: None, though I was on the dance/drill team for one year in high school (everyone who tried out made the team, so it's not really an accomplishment) Favorite stunt: I love mounts that include a lot of people. It's a great feeling when all the parts come together! Favorite CNY moment: Without a doubt, marching in the Pride Parade last year in the middle of a thunderstorm! Interesting fact about you: Just to make the gay boys jealous, I'm going to say that I met Madonna about 5 years ago. It was pretty uneventful. She didn't even say hi, though I got a nod of acknowledgment.

Congratulations Jennie!! You bring so much to CNY!

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.

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 Katie!

Today is Katie M.'s birthday!!

Katie has been an immensely dedicated and entertaining member of Cheer NY since she first joined in July of 2005 (btw Happy Anniversary too!). Admittedly there are probably much better pictures of Katie out there but this one sums up her pretty darn well.

Thanks for all the laughs! Hope you have a great b-day Katie!!