A Bronx middle school’s brand-new cheerleading team is headed to the National High School Cheerleading Championship at Disney World for the first time.  

The KIPP Academy cheerleading squad will be joining three of its sister schools from New York City at the competition.  

“Our goal is to win,” said eighth grader Amanda Perez. “This would be like history for us, this is our first time ever doing this.” 

Co-captain Perez says she is excited for the team – which is only 4 months old – to make a statement at nationals in Florida.  

“We’re just dancing, pretending nobody’s there,” said Perez. “We’re just there to get our energy out, out into the open… we’re doing something good with our energy.” 

Their coaches couldn’t be prouder, saying this team practices four to five days a week, including some weekends.  

“They’re not just cheerleaders, they’re athletes,” said cheerleading coach Alicia Kamara. “Just like we have a basketball team, we have a softball team… they know that they are also athletes and athletes always rise to the occasion.” 

These all-star cheerleaders are still about $50,000 short of the money they need to attend the national cheerleading competition in Florida. Head on over to News 12 Numbers & Links if you would like to donate.