Schools
Three Cheers for Sleepy Hollow Cheerleaders, of All Ages
Guest reporters mother-daugther duo Julie and Megan Maher team up to cover this Friday's cheerleading clinic.
The Sleepy Hollow High School gym was full of excitement as two groups of girls from the grade school and high school shared the space on October 14.
The SHHS varsity cheerleaders hosted a clinic to raise funds for their sport and mentor young girls interested in cheerleading. Over 30 girls from kindergarten through 6th grade participated in the two-hour session.
The older girls taught the younger ones the same cheers, jumps, and movements that they perform at varsity football and basketball games.
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“It was great to teach the next generation of cheerleaders about this fun women’s sport,” said Megan Maher, a senior on the basketball cheerleading team.
“The girls liked to learn from our current cheerleaders. They see us in front of the crowds at games and want to know our routines,” added Amber Brown, another senior and captain of football and basketball cheerleaders.
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The grade school girls picked up the moves very quickly and were invited to perform at halftime of the Sleepy Hollow homecoming game on October 22 that begins at 2:30 p.m.
“It meant a lot to me to put a smile on the girls’ faces. It felt great to share my passion of cheerleading with them,” said Monique Richards. “It was a pleasure to be a part of this memorable experience.” Richards is also a senior and on the football and basketball cheerleading teams.
“I had a such a good time,” said Suniya, a 10-year-old 5th grader at Washington Irving elementary school. I was able to let loose and cheer. I also spoke to girls from my school that I had never spoken with before.”
When asked if she would try out for cheerleading, Suniya smiled and said, “Yes, I can’t wait!”
There is potential for a second cheerleading clinic during the basketball season.
“It was exciting to see the varsity cheerleaders teach the younger girls. It reminded us of when we were Wolfpack cheerleaders,” said Cindy and Wendy Brand, team coaches. “This program needs to start with the younger generation We are not just football or basketball cheerleaders, we are Sleepy Hollow cheerleaders. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader.”
Varsity winter basketball cheerleading has been cut from the Sleepy Hollow High School budget. Fundraising efforts are underway to bring it back. A raffle for two iPads will be held during the homecoming game.
For more information or to help, contact saveshwintercheerleading@gmail.com.
