Spreading good cheer

Michele Harris was all smiles as she watched the Blue Springs High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad demonstrate some of the cheers and tumbling exercises they have learned this summer.
“I think it shows that these girls have been working very hard,” said the resident at St. Mary’s Manor in Blue Springs. “It is always nice to interact with someone who does not live in the manor, so having them here is wonderful.”
The varsity cheerleading squad not only demonstrated some of their abilities Tuesday for a handful of residents, they also painted some of the residents fingernails following the performance. Tammy Featerston, vice president of the cheerleading booster club, said the visit is the beginning of a community service program she hopes to get started with the girls this year.
“I thought what better thing to do with these girls than some community service,” she said. “I think it is a great opportunity for them to get out into their community and help others. It gets them involved outside of Blue Springs High School and shows that they are not the stereotypical cheerleaders some people think about.”
Ranging in age from freshmen to seniors, the squad has spent the last two days at cheerleading camp at Park Hill High School. Ending today, the squad will continue preparing for the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Kansas City Regional Competition Aug. 6 an 7 at Lee’s Summit North High School.
“I think this is a great experience – to spend time with the residents. I am having a lot of fun,” said junior Whitney Clark. “I think it helps us become closer doing things like this as well as build a sense of team spirit by helping the community.”
Kassie Jordan, the activities assistant at St. Mary’s Manor, said she was thrilled to have the squad spending time with the residents. She said it is good for them to interact with the “outside world.”
“They certainly enjoy talking with these girls,” she said. “I think it also give them a sense of liveliness to have them here.”
Resident Audrey Rhodes was not only happy to have the company, but to have her nails painted a warm, copper color that she said, matches most of the clothes she wears.
“I think it is great to have this kind of thing, to have the young people here,” she said. “I very much would like them to return. I think they are very clever.”