Last month, the PS/MS 20 Tigers cheerleading squad took the Roosevelt High School Cheerleading Competition by storm, winning first place.

The squad of 10 girls, ages 10 to 13, faced three other schools in the competition. Fifth grade teacher Takami Dunn, who has been coaching the squad for three years, said the most remarkable aspect of her team’s victory was that none of the girls had prior cheerleading or organized team sports experience. They barely had a place to practice or the proper equipment when Dunn decided to form the squad, she said.

It was a Fordham University junior and cheerleader, Sarah Dudley, who helped provide the girls with a place to practice. Dudley volunteers with the kindergarteners at the school and convinced her university cheerleading squad to assist Dunn with training the girls.

The girls’ motivation, Dunn said, comes from within. They go home and practice after practice and show up ready to work the next day, she said.

After winning the competition, Dunn said 100 girls applied to be on next year’s squad. Only 50 made tryouts and only 10 made the squad.

Dunn admits she is strict. Each member must fulfill academic and community service requirements to be an active cheerleader. She hopes to “work with the girls to build self confidence and determination as we grow and compete as a team.”