This past week, Frenship High School Varsity Pom returned to Orlando, Florida, for the CrowdPleasers Nationals, 10 years after their last appearance, representing the program with pride on the national stage.
For nine months, the team trained, sacrificed, and fundraised in preparation for the opportunity. According to Varsity Pom Coach Melissa Oakeley, the journey to nationals was built on countless early mornings, late nights, and hours of dedication.
“The energy inside the performance area was electric,” said Oakeley. “After each performance, our dancers were met with overwhelming support from other parents, fellow competitors, and spectators asking, ‘Where is Frenship?’ and ‘You all are incredible!’”
By the end of the competition, the crowd had fully embraced the team.
“The entire audience was chanting ‘Frenship Nation’ alongside our team,” said Oakeley. “The impact these athletes made extended far beyond their scores; they left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. What a feeling!”
Frenship Varsity Pom is returning home with an impressive list of honors:
Best in Class Team Awards
- Medium Contemporary – 1st Runner-Up
- Medium Hip-Hop – Champion
- Medium Pom – Champion
Special Awards
- Crowd Pleasers Award – Hip-Hop & Pom
- Outstanding Artistry – Contemporary
- Genre High Point Award – Overall Hip-Hop Champion
- Academic Award – Highest GPA of the Entire Competition
Overall Team Awards
- Medium Division National Champions
- 2nd Runner-Up Grand Champion Team – Highest Scoring Teams of the Day
“These dancers not only proved their talent on the floor; they demonstrated excellence in artistry, athleticism, academics, and sportsmanship,” said Oakeley.
Frenship Varsity Pom returns home as Medium Division National Champions, carrying with them not only trophies, but the pride of representing Frenship once again on the national stage.
Great work, Frenship Tigers!