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Carlsbad Teen Among Country's Elite Cheerleaders

Brooklyn O'Neill is a Pop Warner Senior All-American Scholar.

It’s an honor that only a handful of students receive. More than 97-hundred cheerleaders across the nation wanted to be a Pop Warner Senior All-American Scholar this year, but only 35 received the award. One of those girls lives right here in Carlsbad and her name is Brooklyn O’Neill.

"It’s awesome to know that I was chosen out of so many applications, and it’s a great way to end my Pop Warner career,” said Brooklyn, an eighth grader. “I began cheering in the 3rd grade while at and have continued cheer through middle school at .  It has taught me that no sport should have a stereotype. Cheer is really hard work, and cheerleaders are awesome athletes!”

The Pop Warner All-American Program requires a minimum 96% grade point average.  Brooklyn maintains a 4.0 at Aviara Oaks, helping her earn the coveted Senior Scholar award that is only given to cheerleaders in grade 8 and above.  She  submitted an essay as part of the application process.

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Later this month, 14-year-old Brooklyn will travel to Chicago for the 51st Annual Pop Warner Scholastic Banquet where she will receive a  monetary scholarship of up to 45-hundred dollars.

“I’ve never been to Chicago and there will be athletes from all over the nation," said Brooklyn. " I also hear downtown Chicago has some great places to shop so I can’t wait!”

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"I get teary eyed when I think of all she has acc0mplished," said Traci O'Neill, Brooklyn's mother. "I'm tremendously proud of her."

When Brooklyn isn’t cracking the books, she’s at tumbling practice or playing the viola, preparing to join the Orchestra next year.

Her key to awesomeness?

“I think I try to be someone who is very real and that helps me succeed."

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