Escanaba might be an unusual winter destination, but the Lapeer East Cheerleading squad made the trek there recently for a good reason -- to compete in a cheerleading event.
The girls on the squad, their parents and Coach Naomi Peck raised $3,500 to take the 20 girls, coaches and chaperones to the event at Escanaba High School. Money collected from cookie dough sales, car washes, raffles and donations from sponsors made the trip possible.
Crossing the Mackinac Bridge was a first for about half the team, which made the eight-hour trip Friday, January 22.
The team was served a potluck dinner prepared by parents of the Escanaba High School team. The girls attended a boys’ basketball game at Escanaba High School on Saturday, then had a swim outing with the Escanaba cheerleaders at the Super 8 Motel.
Coach Peck learned of the Escanaba Invitational Cheerleading event through a state cheerleading website and from her aunt, who is a cook at Escanaba High School.
The Lapeer East girls’ also were featured in an article in the Escanaba Daily Press newspaper.
“It was a great trip and a great experience for our team,” said Coach Peck.
The Eagles finished in fifth place in the nine-team field.
