Brooklyn Council Member Jumaane D. Williams has honored the East Flatbush Village, Inc. (EFV) All Stars Youth Cheer, Step and Dance Team, with City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, for its outstanding teamwork at the 2014 American Youth Football and Cheer National Championships.
On Dec. 14, 2014, EFV took 14 young women and men from their cheer team to compete in the 2014 American Youth Football and Cheer National Championships in Kissimmee, Fl.
This was the second time EFV All Stars have competed in Florida at the national level.
“These exceptional youth placed first and third in the categories of Dance, Step and Cheer, respectively,” Williams said.
At Nationals, Division 8, the team placed third in the dance category and, in Division 15, it placed first in the step category, thus securing the titles of 2014 National Step Champions and 2014 Step Grand Champions.
“These All Stars are exceptional examples of youth doing amazing things in District 45,” said Council Member Williams, who is also Deputy Leader of the City Council and Chair of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee.
“I am proud to stand with Speaker Mark-Viverito and my council colleagues to recognize these talented young people and to congratulate them for their success at the national competition,” he added. “It is my hope that we continue to see great things out of these young people and that there are more occasions for us to celebrate in the near future.”
Monique Waterman, founder of EFV, said: “As an organization, East Flatbush Village Inc. sincerely expresses our thanks to Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Jumaane D. Williams for presenting our cheer, step, dance team and coaching staff with this honor.
“We also would like to thank our extended EFV Family – NYPD 67th Precinct, AbunDance Academy of the Arts and Regime – for their partnership and dedication to our youth and our community,” she said.
EFV is a non-profit committed to providing support and information to low income and indigent populations.
Since it opened, it has worked to strengthen the community with programs and activities that empower all participants, said Williams, adding that it not only serves young people but provides great resources to entire families.
“EFV is a one-stop shop that incorporates everything from educational and social services, nutritional workshops, youth athletics, senior activities, an anti-violence center and more,” Williams continued. “All of its creative energy, commitment and ambition is exemplified by the EFV All Stars Youth Cheer, Step and Dance Team.”
The following EFV youths were honored during the Council’s Pre-Stated Ceremonial: Rashanda Kemp, Erynn Waterman, Triniece Khan, Genesis Regis, Nevaeh Jones, Tayler Samuels, Micah Alves, Ciyanna Rogers-Taylor, Eynee Waterman, Ziah Barry, Carissa Simmons, Rolanda Kemp, Courteney Crum-Ewing, Symara Simmons, Rachelle Roberts, Eynique Waterman, Kaylah Reid, Denise Roberts, Cosia Crum-Ewing, Jada Carter, Alexia Tirado, Kyaisha Newman, Crystal Martinez, Kaylah Parker, Nia Denerville, Dekena Wade and Aryana Rhoden.
The following EFV coaches were also honored during the ceremony: Monique Waterman, Georgia Graham, Kelly Rogers, Tanya Barry, Karisma Jay, Kenneth Armstead, Charmaine Deshong, Marcy Alves, Diandre Miller, Keia Peters, Tanya Samuels, Yvonne Chandler and Denise Marshall.
