West Milford Hooray for Mychala Gosda! This eight-year-old soon-to-be third grader at Marshal Hill Elementary School took first place for her dance division at the Dancexplosion Nationals Competition at Disney World in Florida. Mychala has been taking dance since she was just two years old; she is a student at Dance Arts Academy in Boonton. Her teacher, Heather Soccio, who is also the owner and choreographer of Dance Arts Academy, is a former West Milford resident. Mychala, whose other hobbies include riding horses and art, competed in both a group number and a solo dance at Dancexplosion, which was held from June 25 through July 1 in Walt Disney World. Her solo, Rainbow Connection, took the first place trophy for lyrical dance in the 6 to 9 years of age division, and came in sixth overall. Her group number was also a lyrical dance and came in first place for all petite numbers. Soccio was named choreographer of the year. Congratulations Mychala! West Milford is proud of you.