PECOS, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of cheerleaders from the village of Pecos in San Miguel County is representing New Mexico on an international stage. “We’re going out of the country. And it’s a very big opportunity, once-in-a-lifetime thing,” said senior Angel Montoya.
Angel Montoya, Ermalinda Sanchez, Angelica Barbero, Emily Yara, and Jaylah Salazar have each been selected as Spirit of America All-Americans. This award is considered to be the most prestigious individual recognition in the sport of cheerleading.
This group of cheerleaders out of Pecos High School is ‘tumbling’ its way to success, putting Pecos Cheer and the Land of Enchantment on the map for the world to see. “I feel like representing New Mexico, our small-town community of Pecos, and the United States, for me, it means so much because when you’re from a small town, you don’t get big opportunities like Albuquerque does or bigger communities,” shared Barbero.
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Their skill and dedication to their sport catapult them to a global stage to perform at the New Year’s Day Parade this winter in Italy.
Ermalinda Sanchez is eager for this opportunity, saying, “Especially since we’re from such a small community, it’s so surreal!”
The girls say it took a lot of work both on and off the mats. “We built up a lot of our skills, and it just made us push ourselves to that point where we all wanted to just go as far as we possibly could,” continued Montoya.
And the work continues as they prepare for their next challenge in Rome, as they raise money to pay for travel expenses and uniforms.
The team is looking to raise $25,000, looking to the community for some help to get there. For those interested in supporting these teens as they look to reach their goal, they have a GoFundMe page.
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