Twelve dedicated and
talented Central Islip High School Cheerleaders will be heading to the National
Cheerleading Championship at Disney World in Orlando Florida. The squad of
twenty girls has qualified for Nationals for the second year in a row.
Unfortunately, they were unable to attend last year due to a lack of funds to
finance the trip. The girls held several fundraisers again this year to help
fund the trip to Orlando but fell short of their goal.
When Suffolk County Legislator
Steven Flotteron (11th Legislative District) learned of the girl’s dilemma, he looked for funding opportunities in order to fulfill their dream of competing. As in the past, The John C. Dunphy Foundation was more than willing to help such a well deserving cause. They generously donated $7,500. to the Central Islip Musketeer Athletic Booster Club, completing the funds needed to send the girls to Florida. They will be competing along with 25 teams from Long Island against 42 teams in the Non Tumbling Division.
“When I heard of the
girl’s dilemma, I wanted to make sure these well-deserving athletes had the
same opportunities available to other students,” said Legislator Flotteron.
Founded in 2014, The
John C. Dunphy Foundation is a private special purpose foundation who look to
level the playing field with regards to athletics and competition for kids within
the community. They have been an instrumental influence in connecting
opportunities for programs such as Central Islip, such as the Islip Arts
Council and Inclusive Sports Fitness/Par F.O.R.E (Kids with Autism).
"Being able to help
someone reach their goals is the backbone of our Foundation. Seeing how hard
kids work is so inspiring. The Foundation is honored to help where we are
needed,” said Karlyn Grasso, John C. Dunphy Foundation Board Member.
Pictured with Legislator Flotteron (holding check to right) is Cheerleading Coach Debbie Cavanaugh (kneeling); Assistant Coach Rebecca Gallagher; John C. Dunphy Foundation Board Member Karlyn Grasso and Central Islip High School Athletic Director Larry Philips.