The LICCA awarded four scholarships to high school seniors based on their contribution to their school, community and the sport of cheerleading. Monica received the Michelle Fisher Young Memorial Scholarship worth $1000, which was also given to Coach Nicole Huber in 2000. Winners were selected from a pool of applicants who submitted a résumé and a DVD explaining why they were deserving of a student/athlete scholarship. The awards were presented at the Long Island Cheerleading Championships at Suffolk Community College.
“She beat out 20 other seniors for this prestigious award,” said Varsity Cheerleading Coach Laurie Kolodny. “She is a true inspiration to cheerleaders in Freeport and all over Long Island.”
Also during the championships, Monica, as well as Co-Captains Kendra Turenne, Aneesa LeBlanc and Ashley Placide, were honored as Ambassador Cheer Team (ACT) members, whose purpose is to promote volunteerism among the Long Island cheerleading community while increasing inter-squad relationships.
In addition to competing, Monica dedicates her time to the new Police Athletic League (PAL) cheerleading program, which started with the help of Kolodny and School Board member Mike Pomerico, who heads up Freeport PAL. She is in the top 24 of her senior class, is a member of ROTC, the marching band and the varsity softball team.
A cheerleader since seventh grade, Monica has received many cheerleading accolades. Most recently she was named MVP of the fall cheerleading season and was chosen to represent her team as its LICCA All-Star Cheerleader — an honor that goes to one special cheerleader who is devoted, spirited, athletic and school-minded.
“Monica is the true epitome of a cheerleader and any college would be lucky to have her on its team,” Kolodny added. “Congratulations to Monica, her co-captains and the entire varsity cheerleading team!”
Freeport Public Schools is a diverse, innovative district on Long Island’s South Shore serving about 6,750 students in grades Pre-K through 12. The district and its eight schools take pride in having the region’s only magnet schools of choice, a longstanding and award-winning classroom English/Spanish Dual Language Program, and a high school where students excel in competitions that include the regional Academic Challenge, Odyssey of the Mind and Future Problem Solving International. The district’s New Visions School of Exploration and Discovery has been named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for its high student performance and engaging curriculum. |
