Cheerleaders Take Center Stage, and More Good News

Teams from 25 MCPS high schools tumbled, jumped and performed stunts during the 35th annual cheerleading competition on Oct. 28, held at Montgomery Blair High School. Squads were judged on level of difficulty, technique and execution. The competition showcased the talent of the squads and gave fans an opportunity to support the teams. Check out a photo gallery.

Winners were:

Division I                  

First Place: Damascus
Second Place: Walter Johnson
Third Place: Sherwood
Spirit Award: Quince Orchard

Division II

First Place: Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Second Place: James Hubert Blake
Third Place: Northwood
Spirit Award: Seneca Valley

Division III

First Place: Montgomery Blair
Second Place: John F. Kennedy
Third Place: Albert Einstein
Spirit Award: Montgomery Blair

Celebrating Handball, Volleyball Championships

Congratulations to Thomas S. Wootton High School for winning the team handball county championship.

Congratulations to the Thomas S. Wootton girls’ volleyball team on winning their third consecutive county championship.

On Oct. 30, Walter Johnson High School and the Miracle League of Montgomery County joined teams to provide access for children with disabilities to experience the sport of baseball. Miracle League players have a variety of special challenges, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or autism. Some players use wheelchairs or walkers. Congratulations to the Walter Johnson Wildcats for supporting the Miracle League.

Singing the Blues at Strathmore

Thousands of 5th graders attended interactive and educational jazz and blues concerts at The Music Center at Strathmore last month. The concerts were presented by the Strathmore Artists in Residence Blues Band. The performances taught students about the elements of the blues and enhanced what students learned in the classroom about the history of blues. This program inspires a love and appreciation of music and the arts. Second grade students will attend similar concerts later this month.

MLK Teacher in Bicycling Magazine

John Glodek, P.E. teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Germantown, was quoted in Bicycling Magazine’s article, “A New Study Shows When Kids Ride Bikes Together, Something Incredible Happens.” Glodek discussed his perspective with the Riding for Focus program and his students.