Stepping up
When the Lakeside High School cheerleaders in Nine Mile Falls won a Superior Squad trophy at cheer camp this summer, they had no idea that award would change the way they will celebrate the New Year.
On Dec. 28 the group will leave chilly Spokane and travel to sunny Orlando, Fla., to perform in the pregame show at the Capitol One Bowl on New Year’s Day.
“We didn’t know the trip came with the Superior Squad award,” said assistant cheer coach Michele Durrance, whose daughter is on the squad.
The screaming, cheering and excitement subsided a bit as the girls and head coach Angie McCall realized this unexpected opportunity was going to cost $1,300 per person.
“It’s the biggest trip Lakeside has ever taken on,” said Durrance, “But Angie’s a real go-getter.”
The girls have been working to raise funds. Their goal is to earn enough to pay for the entire trip, so that their families won’t have to pick up the tab.
Stephanie Kienzle, 17, said, “We’ve been really passionate about raising funds. It’s a great opportunity.”
Sydney Lewis, 15, agreed. “We’re working hard for this. It’s no easy ride.”
The squad has sold cookie dough, hosted a cheer camp for younger girls, auctioned off blankets at football games, and sold newspapers at Hoopfest.
All the effort is worth it to the girls.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said senior Jessica Widman.
“It will be the funnest place I’ve spent New Year’s,” said 16-year-old Brittney Durrance.
In addition to performing in front of thousands, the team will spend time at all four of the Disney theme parks in Orlando.
With $12,000 left to raise and time growing short, the squad continues fundraising. They’re hosting a “Christmas Cheer day” at the high school on Friday. The girls will baby-sit for moms who want to hit the holiday sales. They’re planning crafts, games and Christmas movies for the children.
In addition, the squad will be hosting a one-day cheer camp and selling newspaper subscriptions.
In the midst of the excitement and hard work, coaches McCall and Durrance continue to involve the girls in community service projects. They feel it’s important for the squad to realize it isn’t all about getting, but also about what they can give back to the community. They’ve done a service project for the Wishing Star foundation, and will be setting up and taking down the Christmas decorations at Sacred Heart Medical Center Children’s Hospital.
Durrance said, “We feel honored to represent our community.”