ILWACO – The Peninsula Youth Cheerleaders (PYC) received a rousing, standing ovation Thursday as the 27-member squad dazzled the crowd at half-time of the Toledo-Ilwaco boys varsity basketball contest.

The budding group of cheerleaders from grades two through six performed the same routine at the Rose Garden during a Portland Trailblazer game Nov. 21. The talented group did cheers and executed dance routines during the Peninsula Youth Football schedule this fall as well.

PYC stalwarts include Kady Kirby, Tosha Welch, Nichole Lopez, Elleigh Kaino, Logan Manake, Chelsea Scialabba, Sarah Herman, Michaela Green, Victoria Thrasher and Hailee Henington.

Other PYC performers were Marina Sonntag, Jackie Smith, Keiana Yasunaka, Krista Glasson, Cindy Pacheco, Jessica Keeley, Shawnee Johnson, Tishina Gray and Bailee Rogers.

Rounding out the large and disciplined squad were McKenzie Dalton, Kelsey Douglas, Shelby Eldred, Christina Patching, Kelsey Kelly, Melanie Scialabba, Alicia Trusty and Katie Waterman.

The PYC ladies are expertly coached by Terri Smith, Jaymi Kaino and Cindy Yasunaka. Judging from the tremendous applause Thursday, the young ladies performed above and beyond expectations during their final appearance of the year.