NEW MILFORD — Members of Newtown High School’s dance team showed their skill in the South-West Conference championships at New Milford High School on February 10. The Nighthawks stole the show in the Hip Hop category, earning the first-place trophy for the second year in a row. Newtown took home second place for their Jazz category routine, edged out by Masuk of Monroe’s squad by just one point. Brookfield earned third in both competitions, and Stratford was second in Hip Hop.

“The girls have put in a ton of work on these routines, coming in on Sundays to practice in the gym. They really wanted a win and did what it took to get it,” Newtown Coach Cheryl Stenz said.

Hip hop choreographer Chris Lupis and jazz choreographer Emily Marks helped lead the Nighthawks, who have not only been practicing routines but have also been performing at halftime of football and basketball games this school year.

Team members are Grace Bianco, Kaitlyn Tripodi, Jillian Reilly, Melina Sagar, Ava Schwartz, Olivia Cavallero, Emily Dunford, Payten Krikorian, Kylee Raiano, Ericka Pontore, Kylie Maddox, Summer Gordon, Molly Moran, Olivia McAndrew, Adriana Russo, Sammy Kuruc, Caroline Hancock, Kyra Masone, Maya Renkert, Audrey Botta, and Grace Capelli.