Cromwell’s Sousa Earns Top Conference Honor

Cromwell High School’s Emily Sousa finished the winter season with a pair of prestigious honors. 
           
The junior was named as the Shoreline Conference (SLC) Cheerleader of the Year on February 26 and then was named to the All-State cheerleading team in March.
           
“Being honored as the player of the year and as an all-state cheerleader felt truly amazing. It was a fulfilling experience to see all my hard work from my years of cheer be rewarded,” said Sousa. 
           
Sousa’s three years at the high school have been extremely productive. Along with helping lead the cheer squad, she has been a part of CHS’s student council for all three years as well as the National Honor Society, excelling in honors and AP classes. 
           
She is also part of the Prom Committee and Publicity Committee at the school, as well as sings in the Select Choir. 
           
When she has extra time she enjoys volunteering with the Cromwell Youth Cheer program, teaching young cheerleaders fundamentals and helping choreograph competition routines.
           
After a year without competition due to the pandemic, Cromwell cheerleading won a conference crown by capturing the SLC championship in February. Sousa, Bridget Russ, Madison Rhodes, Makaela Wasik, and Rebecca Lewis all received all-conference recognition.   
           
“CHS cheer is special to me beyond words. My girls and my coach are like my sisters. They have been my support system for cheer and everything beyond it,” said Sousa. “The bond we have built this year will last a lifetime and I would do anything for any of them. They are all full of talent and I was so glad to be cheering by their side this competition season.”
           
The team finished fifth at the Class S state championship on March 5 and will look to defend their SLC conference title a year from now when Sousa is a senior.  
           
Sousa hopes that next year is equally fruitful, adding, “Cheer is so special to me because it has brought me such happiness the past 11 years and has created a second family for me.”