Trenton High cheerleaders are integral part of school’s success
The Trenton Central High School boys basketball team receives mad coverage, and rightfully for an incredibly successful season.
Still rolling after a win against 16th-seed Sayreville before a raucous romp in The Alley to open NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV play, Coach Daryll Young and his 26-1 squad will now host a quarterfinal game Thursday against the No. 8 West Windsor Plainsboro South vs. No. 9 Montgomery winner.
While the Tornadoes showed superior skills, Trenton High cheerleaders delivered stomp with another incomparable performance. The most-spirited cheer squad in Mercer County, with a storied history of pomp under any circumstance remains a fan favorite.
If you want showmanship, style, charisma and pageantry, then ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys turn your attention to the one and only, the fabulous and entertaining Trenton Central High School Cheerleading Team. While boys hoop stars produce dreams for ballers, cheerleaders can impact young girls positively.
“The players receive a lot of attention but the cheerleaders bring a lot to the table, a lot of energy,” praised Dave “Poppy” Sanderson, longtime Tornadoes athletic trainer.
“There were some years when we didn’t have a strong team. Fans would come just to see the cheerleaders.”
In 2018, Servants Endeavoring to Empower and Develop (S.E.E.D.) Male Mentoring Program and Heal the City launched a billboard campaign to recognize accomplishments being made by young people. The Trenton High cheerleaders appeared on a billboard directly across from P.J. Hill Elementary School.
“It’s very nice and very amazing that these girls are being recognized for their athletic and education abilities,” P.J. Hill Elementary School Principal Talaya Stoddard-Wilson, a TCHS Class of 1986 student-athlete who captained the varsity squad for several years, noted.
“So inspirational for our young girls at P.J. Hill. Just to see these girls being honored can change a young mind. Plus, many of our students know many of the young ladies on the Trenton High cheerleading squad. Our girls are excited because they wanted to meet the cheerleading squad, and they aspire to be them one day. We’re just happy to be a part of the celebration.”
That squad graduated four seniors who headed to Historically Black College and Universities Norfolk State, Delaware State, Morgan State and Clark Atlanta. Trenton holds myriad resources, frequently involving people, who can alter lives of youth.
“They do a spectacular job in representing both Trenton High and the City,” praised Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.
The Tornadoes have Ieshia Dawkins’ as coach. She cheered for Trenton High from 1998-2002, attended Delaware State University then returned as a teacher.
“It’s my eighth year,” said Dawkins as she positioned her squad for an entrance into Tornado Alley.
“I’ve tried to instill a sense of consistency and dedication and always inspire them to have fun. We represent a long legacy of outstanding young women, a tradition that continues.”
Trenton Athletic Director Sharon Grady praised the cheerleaders contribution.
“The cheerleaders? They play a major role in our teams’ success. They make the game. Some people come for basketball and others watch our outstanding young ladies,” said Grady.
“A basketball game at Trenton High offers such a wonderful environment. Let’s not forget, this started back in the day with HBCU pride. And, it keeps getting better and better.”