Palos Stars take 1st place in Cheer Competition

This past weekend was all about cheering on the Palos Stars Cheerleaders! At the Southwest Midget League cheer competition, both levels of the Palos Stars cheerleaders took to the mats to show off all their hard work.

The day started bright and early for the Widgets cheerleaders, who were competing at the 3rd grade level. With a 7 am arrival time, the girls got ready for their big day. Making sure uniforms were perfect, hair was high, and bows were straight. The opening ceremony provided a chance for the Palos Stars Widgets mascots to parade the Stars flag proudly around the mats. These are the youngest girls on the squad and they look forward to moving up next season!

After some rest and snacks, it was time to warm up and get ready. Of the 18 girls on the squad, only 4 were returning cheerleaders. The coaches for this level were also new to the Stars. With a season of learning, teaching and growing the team really showed up at competition.

From flips, lifts, pyramids, cheers and dance, the girls were really shining like bright Stars!

They smiled and performed their best and had so much fun!

When it came time for awards, they sat together holding hands for luck.

The first award was for the Rising Star of the Palos Stars, won by Dani!

With her shining smile and high jumps, it's not wonder she was recognized by the judges for this honor.

Next up, they announced Chart Topping Transitions, won by Palos Stars 3rd grade.

With great choreography from the coaches, and hard work from the squad on the execution, the team was well deserving of this award.

Then it was time for the place awards and the girls were wiggling with anticipation as honorable mentions were passed out, then 3rd, then 2nd place.

Finally, the team jumped and screamed with joy when it was announced "1st place 3rd grade cheer, Palos Stars!"

This group of girls have so much to look forward to next season as they continue their Palos Stars cheer careers! Starting out with a first place year means they can reach even higher next season!

After the crowds cleared out, the next crowd filled the stands for the 2nd half of the day.

The afternoon session was time for the Palos Stars JV squad to show off their routine. They gathered together to get ready for the competition.

Coaches and moms helps get hair up and bows straight. The oldest girls on the squad were invited to parade the Stars flag around the mat at the opening ceremony.

These 7th graders have one season left to shine bright!

This team is mostly returning members and therefore they were able to step up their game on some of their stunts this year. Competing at a higher age level, means they get to try out tougher skills, and they worked hard to get them competition ready.

Getting hit after hit, they were on fire with tricks. They cheered loud and proud for the Stars. Taking their dance to the next level, they pulled in a Charleston inspired section to show off their versatility.

After leaving their hearts on the floors, they awaited the awards.

Sitting together in a circle, they cheered as the Palos Stars Rising Star award was announced for Avery!

Her fantastic tumbling and engaging smile caught the judges eyes and earned her this great honor. Then the 7th grade place awards came, and 1st place goes to Palos Stars!

The girls jumped up with excitement for recognition on their job well done.

The world wind of the day was ending and with that, the 2024 Palos Stars season. Both teams grew so much throughout the season and have so much to be proud of. To help the teams celebrate a fantastic season, their 2024 Palos Stars Sponsor treated them to dinner.

The girls gathered at Rooftop Tap in Palos Heights, where they were treated to dinner.

Their families tagged along to order dinner for themselves also.

The Palos Stars want to thank Rooftop Tap for this great bonding opportunity for the teams. Until next season Stars!