Edison Council Honors Record-Setting Edison Jets Cheer Teams
Pee Wee and JV squads celebrated after undefeated season and national championships
The Edison Jets Junior Varsity cheer team won the 2026 YCADA Global Championship while the program’s Pee Wee squad earned second place. Both teams were honored by the Edison Township Council after completing one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history. (Edison Jets Football & Cheer / Facebook)
Chris Howell | March 11, 2026
The Edison Township Council opened its Monday work session with cheers instead of policy debates, celebrating what coaches called the most successful season in the history of the Edison Jets cheer program.
Two teams — the Edison Jets Pee Wee and Junior Varsity squads — were honored with proclamations recognizing an extraordinary 2025–26 season that included state, regional, national and international titles.
Both teams completed undefeated seasons.
DON’T LET AN ALGORITHM DECIDE YOUR NEWS
Sign up for The Central Jerseyan Newsletter for independent hyperlocal news and events every Sunday.
The Pee Wee squad captured Central Jersey, Garden State and Eastern Regional championships before winning the Pop Warner national championship and earning a Global silver medal. They also placed first at several local competitions, including events hosted at Edison High School and other regional venues.
Their coach, Dana LaPenta, said the season stands apart from anything she has seen in two decades leading the program.
“In 20 years of coaching, I could wholeheartedly say we’ve never had a season like this,” LaPenta told the council. “We went undefeated at the national, global, state, regional and local level.”
She credited the team’s perseverance despite limited resources and practice space.
“The way they had to practice and train the last few years with a practice deficit and a third of the resources that lots of other teams have is a true testament of how tough these little cookies are,” she said.
Parents and community members also praised the athletes’ dedication.
Tiashia Caldwell, speaking during the public comment portion of the presentation, applauded the team’s resilience.
“They did not allow adversity to stop them,” Caldwell said. “With all the obstacles and barriers, they still became Edison champions and champions for the state of New Jersey.”
Council members joined in the recognition.
Councilman Asaf Shmuel said the energy from the young athletes was immediately noticeable.
“I felt the energy as I walked in this room today,” Shmuel said. “Thank you for representing Edison with such enthusiasm.”
Councilwoman Kelli Dima, who said she has been a cheer mom for 16 years, praised the athletes for the sacrifices required to compete.
“You miss birthday parties, you miss events because you have practice,” Dima told the team. “But you become a family. Congratulations.”
The council also honored the Edison Jets Junior Varsity team, which completed another undefeated season while collecting a long list of championships.
The JV squad won Central Jersey, Garden State and Eastern Regional titles, along with the Pop Warner national championship. The team also captured the YCADA Global Championship and Grand Championship, posting the highest score among all Level 13 divisions.
Several young athletes addressed the council during the presentation.
Leyla, a member of the JV team, called the group one of the best she has experienced.
“I’ve done Edison Jets for three or four years, and I think this is one of the best teams we’ve had yet,” she said.
Another cheerleader, Sophia, said the experience helped build lasting friendships.
“I’ve learned a lot about these people, and I’m very glad I got to be on this team,” she said.
Council President Joseph Coyle thanked the athletes and their families for the commitment required to reach the top of the sport.
“You are the leaders of the next generation,” Coyle told the team. “Everywhere you go, people are looking up to you.”
After the proclamations were adopted unanimously, council members gathered with the athletes, coaches and parents for photos before the meeting moved on to regular township business.
Editor’s note: The Central Jerseyan is free to read and supported by advertising. If you value this kind of local reporting and want to help sustain it, you can become a citizen supporter on Patreon. Your contribution helps fund continued coverage of local government, schools, and community issues.