I just I can’t help getting fired up about the latest issue of Philadelphia Magazine because my high school alma mater, Father Judge Catholic High School for Boys (the official title) was prominently featured in the cover story, “Best of Philly Schools 2009″. What does Judge, an all boys high school, do better than other Philadelphia area high schools? Lead cheers, that’s what. The cheerleaders, composed entirely of girls from other schools, constitute the only thing worth mentioning about Judge.

In a sport — yes, sport — dominated by Southerners, the members of Father Judge’s all-female “super varsity” squad (made up, since Northeast Philly’s Father Judge is all boys, mostly of students from St. Hubert’s) don’t just stand out for their accents. They stand out for their seamless choreography of back handsprings, back tucks and stunts. The 36-girl team has won Top 10 status since it began competing in nationals in 2005. (Last year, the Crusaders took second.) Their theme song: “Philadelphia Freedom.” You go girls, indeed.

[Best of Philly Schools 2009]