Newtown High School's dance team had a solid showing at the State Championships at Hamden High on February 26. Newtown finished second in the Large Jazz category (Branford was first and Fairfield Warde third) and came in third in the Large Hip Hop division behind winner Ridgefield and second-place Warde.

Coach Cheryl Stenz's Nighthawks will compete at the New England Regional competition at Brookfield High on March 12. Three dancers were awarded spots on the All-State and All-State Academic teams: Audrey Botta, Caroline Hancock, and Kyra Masone.

Gymnasts Shine

Newtown High School's gymnastics team members competed in the State Championships at Jonathan Law High in Milford on February 26. The Nighthawks had some strong individual efforts.

Renee Chard scored an 8.775 on the floor, Addie Sullivan had an 8.650 on the balance beam, Cyrena Arokium recorded an 8.4 on vault, and Lauren Young had an 8.3 on vault. Additionally, freshman Kelsey Brennan experienced her first state championship event, performing on the balance beam.

Newtown did not have a big enough lineup to compete for a top spot in states. Woodstock Academy was first with a score of 140.300. Newtown was eighth with 115.775.

The Nighthawks were shorthanded due to a small roster and injuries throughout the season, and Coach Kim Kane was pleased with how her team did.

"To not have a full roster all season and still make it to states is quite an accomplishment," said Kane, adding that her team stands to return all competitors next year with a chance to build off this success.

Kane added that the Class M meet was a tough competition and the scores reflected that. Team scores were lower than they were during previous competitions.

Chard, Young, and Sullivan all qualified for State Open competition.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.