Cheer team headed to Disney KAREN E. BOWES The Keyport Pop Warner cheerleaders hold up a sign reading "Keyport Indians: Simply the Best," a gift from the mayor and councilmen for qualifying to compete in a national competition in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. KEYPORT - Cheerful young girls packed borough hall last week, showing off their trophies and hometown pride. The girls had reason to be cheery; a select group of them have qualified to compete in the 2006 National Cheer & Dance Championships at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., scheduled from Dec. 5-8. On Nov. 21, Mayor John Merla congratulated the girls, presenting the Pop Warner Midgets cheer team with a 25-foot banner reading: "Keyport Indians: Simply The Best!" Pop Warner volunteer Joe Vecchio thanked the councilmen for the gift. "This is the first time this ever happened to us," Vecchio said. "It's always been about our football team. Now it's about our cheerleaders, too." Merla, who is also a volunteer Pop Warner coach, said he was proud of all the girls, even the teams that did not qualify to go to Walt Disney World. Sadly, Merla's daughter's team won't be attending the Florida competition. "It just breaks my heart," Merla said. "I never cried for the Yankees," the mayor said. "I never cried for the Redskins." But apparently he cried for the Keyport Indians. "You know what," Merla told the children. "Life's not over. I'm sure you'll get there and I'm sure you'll get there sooner than later." The cheerleaders responded, appropriately enough, with a cheer. - Karen E. Bowes