Sultana High cheerleader heading to Rome to perform on New Year’s Day

Sultana High School Cheer Captain Hope Castagnola will travel to Europe to perform in the Rome New Year's Day Parade.

Andi Castagnola said her daughter’s travel opportunity to perform is a “great accomplishment in the sport of cheerleading,” as she represents Sultana Cheer at the school in Hesperia.

Varsity Spirit 

During the parade, Hope will represent Varsity Spirit All-Americans, the global leader in cheerleading, as she joins other cheerleaders from around the United States on the eight-day trip.

The parade will include Varsity Spirit’s exclusive showcase, which includes more than 2,000 performers, along with some of America's best-known high school marching bands. 

Besides being able to perform in a world-renowned parade, athletes will have the opportunity to meet cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. and enjoy a memorable trip to one of the world’s most popular cities. 

Two-time All-American

This is the second time Hope has earned a place with the Varsity Spirit All Americans, the organization stated. 

“I look forward to meeting new friends and reuniting with old friends on the trip,” Hope said. 

Last year, she met and performed with cheerleaders from other parts of the country, including Burroughs, Colton, La Habra, San Diego and the Oregon Coast. 

“I’m thrilled to be traveling as an All-American again,” Hope said. “Representing both Varsity Spirit and Sultana Cheer will bring me a broader appreciation for the sport of cheerleading.”

Cheerleaders, dancers and drum majors, who are invited to perform in the Rome New Year’s Day Parade, are part of a select group of All-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country. 

All-Americans are based on superior cheerleading, dance or drum major skills as well as leadership skills at camps operated by Universal Cheerleaders Association, Universal Dance Association, National Cheerleaders Association, National Dance Alliance, United Spirit Association, or Urban Cheerleading Experience, according to Varsity Spirit. 

A passion for cheer

Sultana High School attended the USA Camp at the University of Redlands on July 18- 20, where Hope was selected as an All-American.

Only the top 12% of the cheerleaders and dancers from Varsity Spirit camps earn the chance to participate in a performance of this caliber.  

“We’re thrilled to return to the Rome New Year’s Day Parade and to offer these exceptional athletes the chance to perform as part of one of our Special Events abroad,” Varsity Spirit President Bill Seely said.

Seely added that it's an honor to provide athletes with an unforgettable opportunity, where they can connect with cheerleaders, dancers and drum majors from across the U.S. and take part in a historic international celebration.

“It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but overall, my passion for cheer inspired me to work for this chance,” Hope said.

 For more information on the Varsity Spirit All-American Program, visit varsity.com.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Sultana High cheer phenom to perform in renowned Rome New Year's day parade