Grace Thille Tigers cheering

Erica Gambino, a Santa Paula High School senior, has taken 16 Grace Thille Elementary students under her wing to put together a first-time ever-cheerleading squad. The squad was formed in December as part of Santa Paula Elementary School District's Reaching Out Athletics program Gambino explained that none of the girls had prior experience so they first had to learn the nuts and bolts and have since skillfully learned about 11 cheers. Gamino was a member of the high school Cardinal varsity cheerleading squad. Sometimes practices are hard to work into the daily schedule because many of the girls are involved with the after school program and other activities. Uniforms have become a fundraising project through candy, popcorn, and ice cream sales. The girls are working hard to be able to purchase new team shoes, and outfits next year.After graduation in June, Gambino is looking forward to working part time and going to Ventura College. She is also planning on returning to Grace Thille cheerleading project and expanding to competition against other elementary school in the county.