With the Mighty Greyhound football season in full swing, members of the San Benito High School Belles and cheerleading squad have been showcasing their award-winning routines to enthusiastic fans.
Both groups are now under the direction of a familiar face, Coach Leticia Pope, who had previously directed both groups. Belles Assistant Sonia Flores and Cheerleader Assistant Izabel Perez assist Pope with these duties.
The Belles attended a dance camp and walked away with numerous awards, with six of the dancers receiving an invitation to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Belles Captain Alyssa Means, also a senior, is looking forward to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“It’s going to be amazing to represent San Benito,” Means said. “It shows that hard work pays off. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!”
Means welcomed Pope’s return.
“Coach Pope is a good director with a lot of experience.”
Kim Marie Garcia, a senior, said she is excited about the upcoming trip.
“It should be fun! Macy’s is going to be a trip of a lifetime,” Garcia said. “That’s very cool!”
Members of the San Benito High School Cheerleaders, meanwhile, also attend summer camp, with several cheerleaders earning the distinction of being named All-American Cheerleaders, which earned them an invitation to march in the 2015 London New Year’s Day Parade.
Captain Alyssa Rae Hernandez, a senior, spoke about the honor and is looking forward to the London trip.
“I’m looking forward to sightseeing!”
Co-Captain Bianca Jimenez, also a senior, earned UCA All-American Cheerleader distinction and an opportunity to participate in the London parade.
Jimenez has been conducting research for her trip.
“I’ve been on the internet researching what to do in London,” Jimenez said. “I’m very excited!”
Besides planning for the trip, the Belles are also preparing for their 40th anniversary celebration, with a special event planned for the home game on Friday, Nov. 7.
Members of the San Benito Belles earned the Gussie Nell Davis Team Award, Superior Award, Sweepstakes Award, Award Winning Officers Award, Superior Award, Gussie Nell Davis Award and Sweepstakes Award. In addition, Captain Alyssa Means and First Lt. Danielle Barrera were named to the American Dance Drill Team and earned the All- American Officer Award. The following Belles were named ADDT All-American dancers: Diana Garcia, Kim Marie Garcia, Samantha Guajardo and Marissa Maldonado. The Belles are under the direction of Leticia G. Pope and Sonia Flores.
Members of the San Benito High School Varsity cheerleading squad earned the Varsity Superior Award, placed second in a Home Routine, earned Camp Champ honors and Game Day Champ honors. Universal Cheerleaders Association All-American cheerleaders include Captain Alyssa Rae Hernandez, Co-Captain Bianca Jimenez and Emily Rose Garcia. The cheerleaders are under the direction of Leticia G. Pope and Izabel Perez.
The Junior Varsity squad earned the following awards: Superior Award, Superior Home Routine, Camp Champs and Game Day Champs. Universal Cheerleaders Association All-American Cheerleaders from the Junior Varsity squad include Brittany Diego, a junior and Bianca Moreno, a sophomore. The cheerleaders are under the direction of Leticia G. Pope and Izabel Perez.
