The members of Alexandrias Hot Topic cheerleading team returned from the U.S. Finals cheer and dance competition in Virginia Beach, collecting several honors, including the title of Grand Champions for the Twinkle Stars in the Tiny Level One division.

All three Hot Topic teams qualified for the national competition, held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center May 2-3, by receiving first-place bids at the Eastern Cheer and Dance Harbor Lights Extreme Championship at the University of Maryland in January.

Our girls had a very good season and we are very proud of them making it this far, said Brenda Holloway, co-founder of Hot Topic. They received major recognition at this competition because its the one that ranks them overall in the United States.

In addition to the first-place win for the Twinkle Stars, the Rising Stars finished fifth out of 25 teams and the Lighting Stars place 14th out of 17 teams.

Our coaches are Nikki Marshall and Chantelle Dunston, Holloway said, and they have done an incredible job with these young ladies this season.

Hot Topic was formed in 1996 as a way to promote and encourage discipline, leadership, physical fitness and social development through competitive athletic experiences for anyone ages 4-18. A grade point average of 2.5 or higher is required to participate. For more information, visit www.hottopicallstars.com.