A visit to the Oregon coast proved to be very rewarding for members of the Dance Club Academy from The Dalles. The team of dancers — who ranged in age from 8 to 18 — competed at the grand championships in Seaside on the Aug. 4-5, and placed first in every category.

In the end, there were 15 cheerleaders from The Dalles High School that gave everything they had to help the program capture its 13th state title.

Usually with a young cheer team that is entering its first competition, there are nerves and jitters. Just the look in their eyes at the onset of action, however, gave The Dalles head coach Kelsey Sugg all the affirmation she needed. They were ready.

In their first competitive cheer event, Hannah Caracciolo and Samantha Stanley were beacons of light for The Dalles cheer team.

Team of 32 scores first place and all-around honors

TD team fares well at Onstage New York event last weekend in Portland