The Old Rochester Regional Junior High cheerleaders are looking for some cheerleaders of their own as they raise funds for a trip to Disney.

The 12 girls have performed with the High School squad this year and won first place at a state competition in November. The win got them into the national competition at Walt Disney World, set to take place on February 9 and 10.

“We’re very proud of them,” said High School Principal Mike Devoll. “It’s a tremendous accomplishment, one we didn’t think we would have.”

But getting to Florida means raising approximately $12,000 and so far, the students have $225 in their account.

“To compete in Disney is every cheerleader’s dream,” said their coach Patricia McArdle.

McArdle said the team waited for another school group going to Disney to raise its funds before getting started.

“We didn’t want to step on their toes,” said she said.

The cheerleaders’ parents have brainstormed several ways to bring up the balance and get their kids to Disney. A family movie night on December 21 at ORR is in the works as well as a trip to Foxwoods during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.

McArdle is also lending her services to the effort. The Mattapoisett-based lawyer is offering estate planning at a reduced rate with proceeds going to the cheerleaders.

Additionally, the parents set up a donation page at rally.org where anyone can donate to the competition travel fund.

The cheerleaders are doing their part by contacting 10 local businesses each to ask for help.

“Were going no matter what,” said McArdle. “Some families are going to find it tough, but it’s definitely a group effort. This group is their own kind of mini family. No girl will be left behind.”

The girls have to pay their balance by January 9, but will continue to raise funds until the competition in February.

For more information, call Patricia McArdle at 508-758-9449. To donate, click here.