Editor's note: The following is from a Lincoln-Way West news release.

Twenty four high school pom squads, including the four Lincoln-Way High Schools, participated in the Lincoln-Way West Poms successful TeamIllinois Invitational contest and SouthWest Suburban Conference (SWSC) Championship held recently at the West High School in New Lenox.

The large event also attracted over 1,500 spectators who came to Lincoln-Way West to see the competitions. Spectators could choose from 55 performances in seven different dance categories including: pom, open pom, open dance, lyrical, hip hop, kick and halftime.

Placements for the Lincoln-Way teams were: Lincoln-Way West varsity earned second place in Class A Hip Hop, as the West JV earned first place in the JV Hip Hop and qualified for the JV finals contest. The West Freshman tied for second place in JV Pom. Lincoln-Way East Varsity Poms earned first place for the SWSC championship, as well as earning first place in Class AAA Pom and first place in Class AAA Hip Hop.

Lincoln-Way East JV earned first place in JV Pom, qualified for the JV Finals Competition and earned the JV Conference Championship. Lincoln-Way North Varsity earned first place in Class AA Pom as well as the Lincoln-Way North JV earned second place in JV Kick. The Lincoln-Way Central Varsity earned 5^th place in AAA Hip Hop.

“The event was a huge success thanks to our 80 students and parent volunteers, wonderful participating teams and coaches, and an enthusiastic crowd. We are so thankful to everyone who helped make this a great event,” stated Melissa Sweeney, mathematics teacher and West Pom head sponsor.

Lincoln-Way West Varsity Poms that competed are: Gretchen Berger, Jessica Blatzer, Jessica Campbell, Taylor Gallagher, Madeline Katcher, Emily Kowalski, Lexie Lucia, Natalie Malinowski, Megan McDonald, Jennifer McGowan, Briana Novak, Kailyn O’Connor, Kathleen O’Keefe, Katrina Prospero, Kassandra Rosinski, Megan Smith, Ginette Soper, Amy Stoeckley, Sara VanBeveren, Nicole Vanderwall, and Brittni Voltolina.

Lincoln-Way West Sophomore Poms that competed are: Abby Richmond, Lizzy Sterne, Angela Bieser, Moira Ziebart, Jodi Diaz, Alexus Petrongelli, Katie Horan, Taylor DeYoung, Jordan Cruise, Alison Buldak, Ali Johnson, Erin Lavalle, Ashley Kowalski, Brittany Behrens, Danielle Enders, Lindsay Kun, Taryn Hollingsworth, and Nikki Revak.