Here is a little inside information from the coaches:

In the entire state of Florida there are 60 teams in our division. We compete at regionals which determines if we make it to states. At regionals we were runner ups which meant we made it straight to finals for states (essentially we skipped a level for being skilled). We only get one shot at this performance. You get 2 minutes and 30 seconds to impress a panel of judges.

At States we went against 11 teams that made it to the finals and placed FOURTH. Yes, FOURTH in the state of Florida. Remember, it started with SIXTY teams.

This is a HUGE accomplishment not only for our extremely skilled cheerleaders but also for Colonial High School. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF COLONIAL CHEER OUR VERY OWN CHEERLEADERS NOT ONLY SCORED THE HIGHEST THEY ALSO PLACED THE HIGHEST.

We would like to thank all the teachers and staff who have supported our strong, motivated, and very tired cheerleaders. Everybody plays a part in the journey of a student athlete.

This week we will be heading to Nationals and going against 45+ schools. Please wish us skill, as luck is for the unprepared and boy are our cheerleaders prepared!

Colonial girls basketball seniors (from left) Rae Eccleston, Jalei O’Neal, Jasmine Bocca, Carmen Richardson, Destinie Gordon and Jasmynne Gibson lead the Grenadiers into district tournament play with a 21-3 record and No. 1 ranking in Class 7A. 

Credit: Orlando Sentinel, Feb. 6 - "Colonial girls basketball headlines FHSAA district tournaments this week" (J.C. Carnahan and Rich Pope)

On Saturday, February 3, the Florida FFA Food Science and Technology Career Development Event (CDE) state finals were held at the University of Florida. A preliminary round was held earlier in the school year with the top 10 middle school teams and top 10 high school teams in this round earning the opportunity to compete for the state championship.

Students had to demonstrate skills in food sensory evaluation, food safety and food quality. Additionally, the team had to make a presentation on an assigned scenario and were required to include food nutrition knowledge, food cost analysis, food production and target food marketing. The teams also had to take a comprehensive exam covering the food science and technology industry. This CDE is designed to promote learning activities in food science and technology related to the food industry and to assist students in developing practical knowledge of principles used in a team decision-making process.

By earning the state championship, the Colonial High School FFA will be recognized and receive their state awards on stage at the Florida FFA State Convention in June. The team will also advance to the national event at the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana this October.

Each month, staff members submit “Grenadier Shoutouts” to celebrate others that have worked hard and demonstrated qualities of what it means to be a Grenadier!

We were able to capture some of them this week out and about!

Thank you to Mrs. Santiago who hosted the Ninth Grade Center Reading teachers this week in a PD about ESOL strategies. She did a great job sharing resources and ways we can support our ESOL students in the classroom.