Weeks of practice and refinement has paid off for the Newtown eighth-grade cheerleading squad.

With a splendid performance in the Connecticut state championships, the Nighthawks qualified for the American Youth and Cheer New England regional championship, competing against five other Division 13 teams from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The locals took second place in this competition and have qualified to compete in the national championship to be held in Orlando, Florida, on December 7.

Over the next week the team will be raising funds to assist them to meet travel costs. Please give them your support when you see them in town, or you may send your donation by way of check to Bob Davenport at Nanavaty, Nanavaty & Davenport, P.O. Box 527, Newtown, 06470. Check can be made out to NYFC.