The Shaker High School Cheer team was celebrated as positive representatives of the community as Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey welcomed the team to Colonie Town Hall on Thursday, April 27.
Crummey issued an official proclamation, honoring the cheer team’s performance while representing the town in scholastic competition.
“We’re so excited about recognizing what you have done because you’ve made a sense of community pride for all of us,” said Crummey. “Gaining these awards and demonstrating what teamwork really means.”
Friends and family members filled the meeting hall, which they shared with the South Colonie Central squad, who was also recognized that evening. North Colonie Superintendent Kathleen Skeals said the Town’s decision to celebrate the cheer team exemplifies how student athletes represent more than just themselves or the school.
“They are positive members of the school community,” said Skeals. “They are always trying to uplift the students, and honestly, they are so at the top of their game when you follow their competition … they always see themselves as representatives of the school but now, tonight they are representatives of all that is good in the town of Colonie.”
The Shaker High School Cheer team earned its fifth consecutive Section II title under the small squad division followed by a fourth place finish at the NYSPHSAA State Championships earlier this year. Katy Pfeifer, who has coached the squad for six years, is grateful for the recognition.
“They are one of the most talented groups to come through Shaker,” she said. “Just getting recognized by the town for cheerleading as a sport is just great. It’s huge for us, so we appreciate it.