WAIMEA — Kristen Garma has two more companions. Garma was invited to perform at the Capital One Bowl in Florida for New Year’s two years ago. On that trip, her parents took her after working hard to raise funds for
WAIMEA — Kristen Garma has two more companions.
Garma was invited to perform at the Capital One Bowl in Florida for New Year’s two years ago.
On that trip, her parents took her after working hard to raise funds for the trip.
Two years later, Garma again got an invitation to perform for the same bowl game, but this time, two other girls also received invitations.
Alyssa Carlos-Kahalekomo of the Lihu’e Patriots and Cassandra Owen of the Hanapepe Colts received their invitations from the JAMS group that hosts the Kaua’i Pop Warner Association’s annual cheer camp during the summer.
Carlos-Kahalekomo’s mother explained that the invitations are based on several criteria, including best jumpers and best dancers.
But she was especially proud because the Kaua’i girls received their invitations for being the best all-around.
She added that once an invitation is extended, and the girls attend the bowl game where they will be on national television during the halftime performance, they have an open invitation to return.
“If you’re planning on going to college on a scholarship, this adds a lot to your resume,” she said, noting that Alyssa is 13 years old, Cassandra is 12, and Kristen is 14. “The girls can keep going back until they reach 23 years old.”
Owen also is eligible to travel with her respective squad to Florida for the National Pop Warner Cheer competition because the Hanapepe Colt Midget squad took the Intermediate Small competition for the Midget division.
Both Carlos-Kahalekomo and Owen are planning to travel with the Garma family because of the amount entailed for everyone to travel to Florida.
But for now, the girls are simply excited to be able to attend a big game, Garma noting, “This year, I’m taking my parents.”
