12-14-2024 4:06am

Franklin, Medway Cheer Squads Earn Major Honors

Alan Earls Editor

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the MSAA Div. 1 2024 Fall Cheerleading State Championship held at Worcester State University on Nov. 24, 2024. The win capped off an undefeated season for the Panthers, who also took first place at the Hockomock League Championship and the MSAA Div. 1 South Regionals. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

One area of athletics, two towns, and lots of honors to go around...

Franklin Cheerleading Wins State, Regional and League Championships in Fall 2024

Franklin Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis announced that the Franklin High School Cheerleading team went undefeated for their fall season, capturing a trifecta of championship titles at the league, regional and state levels.

The varsity team, with a 12-person roster, began its series of championship victories on Nov. 10, by taking down the Hockomock League Championship held at Franklin High School. The Panthers then went on to capture the Massachusetts School Administrators' Association (MSAA) Div. 1 South Regionals held at Franklin High School on Nov. 17. Finally, the Franklin High School Cheerleading team capped it off by winning the MSAA Div. 1 2024 Fall Cheerleading State Championship held at Worcester State University on Nov. 24.

The win at Worcester State marked the fourth state championship in a row for Franklin, spanning fall and winter seasons. Throughout its history, the Franklin High School Cheerleading team has notched 15 state championship titles.

“It’s been inspiring to watch the dedication and camaraderie of this group,” said Varsity Cheerleading Coach Doni Gill, who came to Franklin in 2017. “It’s been a very special and memorable season, watching them grow into champions together. They’ve worked so hard since Day 1. We’re very proud of all of the student-athletes in our cheerleading program, and we’re very happy to once again call them state champions.”

The fall 2024 Franklin High School varsity team included seniors Emma Rondeau, Ana Cecilia Pineda Campos, Lea Exposito, Keira Owens, Jeffrey Li and Taylor Briggs; juniors Ariel Orrell, Lilah Wainwright, Cassidy Stanley and Emily Bartlett; and sophomores Aria Nicholson and Ashley Rickey.

In addition to its fall 2024 championship titles, the Franklin High School Cheerleading team also shined at several invitational competitions, winning first place at the King Philip Invitational on Nov. 3, the Shamrock Showdown on Oct. 27, and the Tri-County Invitational on Oct. 20.

“I would like to congratulate the team on a phenomenal season,” said Athletic Director Karrah Ellis. “Thank you to all of the families, faculty and community members that have supported our cheerleaders and helped contribute to another successful season. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Coach Doni Gill for her dedication to these student-athletes and for her role in their accomplishments. Congratulations and let’s go Panthers.”

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the MSAA Div. 1 South Regionals held at Franklin High School on Nov. 17, 2024. The win was part of an undefeated season for the Panthers, who also took first place at the Hockomock League Championship, and the MSAA Div. 1 Fall Cheerleading State Championship held at Worcester State University on Nov. 24. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the Hockomock League Championship held at Franklin High School on Nov. 10, 2024. The win was part of an undefeated season for the Panthers, who also took first place at the MSAA Div. 1 South Regionals held at Franklin High School on Nov. 17, and the MSAA Div. 1 Fall Cheerleading State Championship held at Worcester State University on Nov. 24. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the King Philip Invitational on Nov. 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the Shamrock Showdown on Oct. 27, 2024. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the Tri-County Invitational on Oct. 20, 2024. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Medway Powers to Honors, Too

The Medway High School (MHS) Cheer team earned second place in the Division III competition on Nov. 24 at the MSAA Cheerleading State Championship. (Photo courtesy Medway Public Schools)

Medway Superintendent Armand Pires, Principal John Murray and Athletic Director Jeff Parcells also shared that the Medway High School (MHS) Cheer team completed a successful cheer season and has earned numerous titles this fall.

The team of 14 cheerleaders began its series of wins at the Milford High School Invitational Cheer Competition on Oct. 20, where they earned first place.

Team members include juniors Jillian Bartel, Adelle McLaughlin and Eve Peristere; sophomores Elena Brynczka, Grace Farrell, Chloe Giallonardo, Willow Gowen, Julia Holden, Grace McLaughlin, Nicole Oster, and Samantha Tovar; and freshmen Madison Brynczka, Cassidy Cook and Gianna Scotland. The team is led by Head Coach Adrienne Hunter and Assistant Coach Stephanie Rasmussen.

On Oct. 27, the MHS Cheer team placed first at the "Hilloween" Invitational competition for the division and won the Grand Champion title at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, MA.

The MHS Cheer team repeated its win on Nov. 3 at the Panther Invitational in Marlborough, placing first in the division and securing the Grand Champion title. The team also received its highest score of the season, earning a 96.4 for its routine.

On Nov. 17, the MHS Cheer team competed at the South Regional Championship at Franklin High School and came in second place, qualifying the team for entry in the Massachusetts School Administrators' Association (MSAA) State Championship at Worcester State University.

On Nov. 24, the MHS Cheer team took to the mat at the MSAA Cheerleading State Championship, winning second place in the Division III competition, and concluding its successful season.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to continue to build upon their technique and form this past season, which has served us very well throughout this season,” said Head Coach Hunter. “I am so incredibly proud of these girls and it is a privilege to work with them and see their successes.”

“I would like to congratulate the MHS Cheer team on their phenomenal run this fall,” said Athletic Director Jeff Parcells. “Their athleticism and commitment to their sport was absolutely demonstrated this season, and I couldn't be more proud. Thank you to all of the families, faculty and community members that have helped the MHS Cheer team achieve these accomplishments."

The MHS Cheer team won the Grand Champion title and received their highest score of the season on Nov. 3 at the Panther Invitational in Marlborough. (Photo courtesy Medway Public Schools)