Branham High School's varsity cheerleading squad will ride its third-place win at a Dec. 13 regional competition in Tracy to the USA Cheer National Championships in Anaheim next March. The 15 girls on Branham's squad competed in the show cheer category with a routine that combined cheerleading, gymnastics, dance and stunt moves.

English teacher Dawn Nelson, the squad's coach, says these competitions are part of a national push to get cheerleading recognized as a sport rather than an activity. "I see a huge difference from when I was a cheerleader 12 years ago and now," Nelson said. "People used to make fun of us, and now no one does. People are amazed by what [cheerleaders] can do."

Sponsors sought for annual auction

Leland High School is sending out an S.O.S. for its annual Blue and Gold Auction and Dinner Dance. In this case, the acronym stands for "Send Over Sponsors," since the school is looking for businesses willing to donate an auction item or sponsor a table at the event. Proceeds from the auction, set for April 24, 2004, go to support Leland's academic and athletic programs. Tickets are on sale at the high school for $45 per person. For more information, call 408.535.6290, ext. 230.

Dartmouth students fly to Eagle Awards

Eleven Dartmouth Middle School students received this month's Eagle Awards for demonstrating "respect for others, respect for learning and respect for the environment," said Vice Principal Catherine Stewart.

Emily Ray was honored for her enthusiastic learning style and for actively participating in learning and helping others. Melissa Hodges got props for being "cheerful, helpful and hard-working." Similarly, Stewart said, Pradeep Nanja is "a kind, caring and respectful friend" who "excels academically and is a valuable member of the beginning band." Rebecca Shumard was recognized for giving exponentially, "whether it is tutoring a fellow student, generously donating cans for the food drive or lending a helping hand." Stewart cited Alycia Dunmyer's positive attitude, which "encourages others to do their best." Allinn Louv "is polite, attentive and enthusiastic about learning," Stewart said, adding that Jonathan Aviles "is positive and hard-working and a totally likeable student." Charlie Ricco got the nod for his "excellence in citizenship, academics and music." Stephanie Romero "works hard in all her classes," Stewart said, while Krysta Cordero has a "tenacious appetite for learning." Brian Brucklacher earned his Eagle wings for donating 2,071 cans to Dartmouth's recent food drive.