The Nutley HS cheerleading team poses after winning the 'Cheer for the Cure' for the 15th time in the event's 16th year. (Photos Courtesy of Laura Feraco)
NUTLEY, NJ — The Nutley High School cheerleading team took first place at the Karen Centinaro Memorial “Cheer for the Cure” on Thursday, Oct. 5, at Foley Field in Bloomfield.
This marked the 15th year that the Raiders have been named Super Essex Conference champions out of the 16 years that the competition has been running.
The Cheer for the Cure showcase is an opportunity for Essex County cheerleading teams to show off their halftime routines, but primarily serves as a fundraiser for cancer awareness. Any Nutley High School cheerleader who has performed at “Cheer for the Cure” knows how special this tradition is, as schools come from all over the county to cheer each other on, as well as show a great display of sportsmanship and talent.
The Nutley High School cheer team is coached by head coach Laura Feraco; assistant coaches Devin Stabile and Charlotte Fiordalisi; and volunteer coach Olivia DeFluri.
With alumni on the coaching staff, seeing the 2023 team win its 15th SEC title is truly a full-circle moment. This is Feraco’s second year and she is proud to work with such dedicated and hardworking athletes. The coaches are thankful for Nutley High School Athletic Director Joe Piro and all of his support throughout the season, especially in preparation for this event. A special thanks to the Bloomfield High School Athletic Director Steve Jenkins for putting together an amazing event.
The team has worked extremely hard to perform and execute more difficult skills in the routine this year, such as elite stunts, pyramids and tumbling. The varsity team consists of 25 athletes, and for some, it was their first time performing at “Cheer for the Cure.” The team is led by a strong senior class who have set the bar high this season – Captain Sophia Demetroulakos, Captain Olivia Phelps, Captain Sofia Pontoriero, Captain Victoria Rudish, Isabella Aguayo, Alayna Cullari, Laina Giella, Gianna Haines, Jessica Ostrowski, Jennie Polewka and Hailey Restel-Romano. The juniors on the team are Sarea DeMatteo, Giavanna DiNorscio, Gabriella Hunter, Serena Genna, Brianna Romero and Ava Valdivieso. The sophomore class consists of Ava Iacona, Tessa Murray, Briella Costa, Cameron Ross and McKenna Ross. There are also three freshmen on the team – Jomayli Duran, Gabriella Franco and Angelina Trocchia.
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