The Lincoln-Way East High School Junior Varsity and Varsity Poms are taking their high-powered routines to the state level.

Both squads captured 1st place at their very first competitions of the season and qualified for state after strong performances in Batavia and Wheaton-Warrenville.

“My team has really exceeded my expectations by placing 1st at their very first competition of the season,” said JV head coach Laura Radakovitz. “I look forward to the rest of their competitions and their performance at state.”

“I am so proud of my girls and all their hard work this season,” added head Varsity coach Sarah Forsythe. “They are truly an exceptional group of young ladies, and I am honored to be their coach.”

The JV team qualified for the JV State competition after winning the Batavia Dance Competition on Jan. 8.

The Varsity team sealed their trip to state after winning the Wheaton-Warrenville competition on Dec. 10. They went on to capture 1st in their division at their second competition of the season and received the Technical Excellence Award at Batavia’s dance competition on Jan. 8.

Members of the winning Varsity team are: Heather Bauer, Jessica Bicek, Autumn Bromfield, Lauren Chiszar, Rachel DiNaso, Tara Galovich, Gianna Gandy, Maggie Garvey, Alison Golden, Jillian Hickey, Amanda Hobert, Ashley Hon, Krista Kiley, Alex Kuebler, Julia Lange, Breanna Magnuson, Shannon Merrion, Nicolle Miskowicz, Julianne Olivieri, Kaitlin Raven, Shannon Roth, Caitlyn Smith and Jess Vorderer.

The team captains are Caitlyn Smith and Alison Golden.

Members of the winning JV squad are: Claudia Baffo, Kristen Bainbridge, Rachel Chudoba, Emily Cosgrove, Kaleigh Duggan, Hannah Eggert, Tatiana Garcia, Anna Hogan, Charlotte Imlach, Holly Macaluso, Katilyn Machay, Lexi Malkusak, Kendall Nepote, Alanna O’Donnell, Anna Pranckus, Mary Rosenberger, Paeyton Schofield, Paige Turner, Marissa Webb, Megan Wharrie, Lia Wiltgen and Julia Winker.

Team captains are Mary Rosenberger and Rachel Chudoba.

The JV squad will participate in the JV State meet on Feb. 12 at Argo High School. The Varsity squad will head to Peoria on March 4 for the Varsity State competition.