Living with the Ribbon

Nutley Holds Events to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For the ninth time in 10 years, the Nutley High School cheerleading team took home first place in the always-competitive, “Cheer for the Cure” held on October 4 at Foley Field in Bloomfield. Lead by their coaches, Breanna Dematteo and Deanna Pepe, the NHS Raiders performed their traditional halftime performance at the event. The team performed well, despite the bad weather.

Cheer for the Cure has been going on for 11 years, since 2007. Breanna Dematteo competed in 2007 at the first one ever, as a NHS cheerleader. Deanna competed in the following year, in 2008. Junior varsity coach, Meghan Casale, also competed with Dematteo in 2007.

Dematteo has been coaching the varsity team for eight years, and still manages to stomp out the other teams at sectionals. The athleticism, work ethic and drive speak for themselves.

Cheering is a very competitive sport, requiring flexibility and endurance. The team works long and hard to perfect their routines in time for the football season. During the winter, the focus is towards the competitive side of cheering. When football ends, the team starts competitive practice in December and then begins completing the following month.

Currently, there are 25 girls on the varsity team and 15 on junior varsity. In addition, only the varsity team takes part in this event. Cheer for The Cure is not just competitive, but it shows the true meaning of what sportsmanship is.

Cheer for the Cure raises money for various cancer charities and has raised over $50,000 for charities in and around Essex County. “We love seeing all of the local teams,  as we are friends with many of the other coaches,” said Dematteo.

Rain or shine, the team manages to win another championship at Cheer for The Cure!