The competition season isn’t until the winter, but Newtown High School’s cheerleading squad has been hard at work preparing to defend its South-West Conference crown which, this year, the team will have a chance to do at home. The SWC cheerleading championships will be held at NHS on February 6, beginning at 4 pm.

Until then, the Nighthawk cheerleaders will be honing their skills all the while supporting the football and basketball teams, as they entertain fans during games and when they perform halftime routines. It all gets started with the first home football game of the campaign, when Notre Dame-Fairfield visits Blue & Gold Stadium on Friday, September 18, at 7 pm.

This year’s group is led by senior captains Madeline Bridges, Laken Hughes, and Jess Mullany. Four-year varsity team members back in the fold include flyer and All State honoree Liz Zambernardi, base Chloe Amante, and backspot Lindsay Skalkos.

In addition, a strong group of juniors and sophomores bring plenty of skill and enthusiasm to the team, Coach Sue Bridges notes.

Read more about the cheer squad in the September 11 print edition of The Bee.