Two weeks ago, practices started for a new branch of cheer. Unified cheer is an opportunity for special needs students to join cheerleaders at games and practices and experience what it is to be part of a cheer team.

After NSAA added the unified cheer category to the state competition last year, Coach Brittany Logue set to work on forming a team.

“Creating opportunities for student with intellectual disabilities is something I am passionate about, and I thought it would be an awesome opportunity for students at ESHS,” Logue said.

Practices started on November 5th for unified cheerleaders and will go all the way through the winter months. Every other Monday, the thirteen cheerleaders meet in the breakouts, stretching, warming up with jumping jacks and get-to-know-you games.

The atmosphere in the breakout is light and happy as the girls chatter and work hard together. All of the girls really care about each other and this practice gives the perfect time to catch up and support each other.

“I really love getting to know the girls and how much they know already from just watching the cheer team at fight song Friday and other performances,” Rolfes said.

Sophomore Cambri Rolfes and freshman Sophie Riffe proudly help out, working together with the team to create routines and teach fellow cheerleaders the routines and the classic basketball cheers to perform on the sidelines of basketball games this winter.

“My favorite part in helping out the cheerleaders is seeing how much enthusiasm they have in what they are doing and learning, and seeing them want to start new things and jump right into being a cheerleader,” Rolfes said.

Currently, there are ten helpers and two cheerleaders, but the team is hoping to grow to 5 cheerleaders. In order to participate in state, the girls need an even number of special education kids and gameday cheerleaders. Three other teams are currently registered to compete against the ESHS team.

The sport creates unity within our school and offers opportunities to share and spread school spirit through cheer.

“Unified Cheer strengthens ESHS by providing students with the opportunity to grow as a community.  Students get to interact with each other and build new friendships,” Logue said.