OLD TAPPAN, N.J. — The River Vale Raiders is a proud organization that boasts over 50 years in existence. We are unique in that the River Vale Junior Football Association (RVJFA) consistently has over 200 participants in the program each year ranging from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our Kindergarten cheerleaders participate on our Flag squad. Our Mighty Mite cheerleaders are in grades 1 and 2. Our PeeWee squad is made up of 3rd and 4th graders. Our Junior squad is our 5th and 6th grade cheerleaders. Finally, 7th and 8th grade cheerleaders make up our Senior squad.

We really celebrate the element of performance for our athletes. Some of their proudest moments as cheerleaders happen at our yearly Cheer Showcase. This fundraiser that has been going strong for 10 years, sadly had to be canceled this year because of COVID gathering restrictions. But celebrating our cheerleaders and cheerleaders from surrounding Bergen County towns is incredibly empowering for our athletes. In addition, their performance at River Vale town day is always a huge crowd pleaser. Again, we had to cancel town day this year too. But luckily our 8th grade cheerleaders have memories of past years and can fondly draw upon their times at town day and showcase.

Our River Vale Raiders organization is a true family. I also am incredibly proud of the partnership and respect that exists between the football side of the organization and the cheerleading side of the organization. It’s almost difficult for me to discuss it as two sides. Our football families and cheer families are one proud unit that supports the athletic endeavors of our children collectively. Not many towns can speak of the support that exists for their cheerleaders the way we can at the RVJFA. The board members and coaches along with the athletes and their families make up the proud organization that is the RVJFA. We truly cannot have this wonderful organization if even one piece is missing. As my children get older and my days immersed in the Raiders organization are quickly coming to an end, I can heartfully say I will miss these crazy Saturdays spent at Mark Lane with our Raiders family but know that all of our cheerleaders and football players will always welcomed back. Once you are a RAIDER you are always a RAIDER!

Gigi De Meo
Hi! I have been cheering since kindergarten. I am a base. My fondest memories of cheerleading are the Cheer Showcases and my favorite part of cheer is the halftime routines. I think cheerleaders have to be upbeat and able to work as a team. I also like to play lacrosse, snowboard, and hang with my friends. I will be attending Pascack Valley High School and I think I am going to continue cheerleading.

Erin Egglinger
I have been cheering since kindergarten. Over the years I have been a flyer, front spot, and base. My fondest memory of Raiders cheerleading was house decorating last year. I love tumbling and my favorite stunt is a round off back handspring. I think 3 words that describe cheerleaders are motivated, fierce, and, perseverance. When I am not cheering, I love basketball, gymnastics, baking, and hanging out with friends. I will be attending Pascack Valley and will most likely continue cheering.

Taylor Ferrari
Hello! My name is Taylor and I have been cheering for the River Vale Raiders since Day 1 in kindergarten. As a base and back spot, I have the responsibility of making sure no one is dropped. One of my favorite parts of cheer is right before you perform when your stomach has butterflies. The past 9 years have brought me immense joy. I look forward to continuing cheerleading at Pascack Valley High School and the opportunity to return as a Raiders junior coach.

Ada Kesselman
I have been cheering since kindergarten. My fondest memories of cheer are developing the friendships I have made over the past 9 years. My favorite part of cheer has always been being the base in the halftime routines. I am also an avid basketball player and will be attending Pascack Valley High School next year.

Gianna King
My name is Gianna and I have been cheering for 9 years for the River Vale Raiders. This year I became a marathon cheerleader! I have been a flyer in stunts since kindergarten. My fondest memories of cheer are performing at town day and decorating the football players’ houses. My other interests are lacrosse, summers at the beach, winters skiing, and hanging out with my friends. Next year, I will be going to Pascack Valley High School, but I have not fully decided if I am going to cheer.

Isabella King
My name is Isabella and I have cheered since I was in kindergarten. I have been a base that whole time. This year I became a marathon cheerleader, which is a huge achievement. My favorite memories of being a River Vale Raider cheerleader are the Cheer Showcase and the football and cheer tailgate. The most important part of being a cheerleader is to have a great, sassy, positive attitude so you keep the crowd going wild. Besides cheer, I love playing lacrosse, going to the beach, skiing, and hanging out with my friends. Next year, I am going to Pascack Valley and I am not sure yet if I will be cheering in high school.

Daniela Rey
I have been cheering since 7thgrade. My all-time favorite memory of cheer is all of the events we perform at like Cheer Showcase and town day. My favorite stunt is called front walkover push up to a full extension. To be a cheerleader, you have to be passionate, athletic, and a team player. My interests are traveling and academics. I am not sure which high school I will be attending although I look forward to cheering. Thank you to my coaches and all of my cheer friends!

Emma Spence
I have been cheering since kindergarten. I am a flyer. I love getting all excited with the team before we perform a halftime routine. My favorite part of cheer is the excitement when we step out on the field to perform. My favorite stunt is the basket twist and the full lib. I think cheerleaders need to be peppy and have a good attitude and spirit. I also play club lacrosse, baking, cooking, skiing, hanging out with friends, and babysitting my cousins. I will be going to Pascack Valley High School and I am not sure if I will be cheering in high school.

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