Washington Heights Cheer Squad Fundraising For National Tourney

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The cheerleading squad from KIPP Washington Heights Middle School has qualified for one of the most prestigious cheerleading competitions in the country — but they need some help getting there.

The 12-student team, under the coaching of teacher Tatiana Melani, recently qualified for the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida.

While the team was able to earn a spot in the national competition, they don't currently have enough money to make the journey to Florida.

For that reason, Melani started a fundraiser this week to help the Washington Heights students get a shot at completing their "dream of becoming national champions."

"Our students need your support to make this opportunity become reality," Melani wrote in the description for the fundraiser. "Not only will the team experience the NHSCC but it will give them an opportunity to travel and expand their life experience."

"Our students have worked really hard through the pandemic, a full year of remote cheerleading and came back stronger than ever to accomplish their goal of advancing to the NHSCC this year," she added.

The GoFundMe so far has raised $1,340 of its $20,000 goal.

"Sisterhood is a really big part of cheer. We're very close with each other," cheerleading captain Merlina Santana told ABC 7.

KIPP Washington Heights Middle School is located at 21 Jumel Street, near West 168th Street.