Squad Goals
Uniforms, a pair of pom-poms, and reliable transportation. These are among the fundamental resources most high school cheerleaders expect to receive from their schools.
But cheer squads from Oklahoma City’s largest school district routinely lacked these fundamental assets.
A uniform for a sport makes you feel like you belong.
After attending an Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) sporting event, a group of Fields & Futures volunteers jumped in to help find a solution and a Cheer Committee was born.
The committee quickly formulated a plan to show OKCPS what it would be like if cheerleading was recognized as a sanctioned sport. With OSSAA and the school district on board, they found a way to supply teams with uniforms and resources needed to compete at a higher level.
Then they went a step further.
Backed by Fields & Futures supporters, the cheer committee coordinated a cheer camp for the high schools and middle schools of Oklahoma City Public Schools.
“We wanted to give these kids an opportunity to have a day of cheer camp just like every other cheerleader would normally get,” said Showalter
Now, wherever there is an OKCPS sporting event, it is undeniable that the cheerleading squads look the part. Moreover, they feel the part. And that gives them the confidence to participate in the part.
Back at U.S. Grant High School, senior cheerleader Kristyona Shannon says Fields & Future’s investment in her program hasn’t just given her a chance to cheer; it has given her the opportunity to lead.
Through the support of Fields & Futures, young men and women are able to learn invaluable life lessons and receive the guidance, mentorship, and positive influences missing from their lives.
To learn more and find out how you can help, please visit FieldsandFutures.org or email info@fieldsandfutures.org.
