The Power of a Pompom by Kaidyn

The Power of a Pompom by Kaidyn - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

The last four years at West Scranton High School have been filled with many prideful and school spirited memories. I have been blessed to be a cheerleader at my school throughout these years, which has not only had an impact on my school, but my community. The power of a sparkly pom-pom is something I consider to be highly underrated. Our cheer team is sent everywhere in the community throughout the year. It can be parades, memorials, elementary schools, fundraisers and much more.
Going to the local elementary school’s year round is my favorite part of being a cheerleader. When children see our pom-poms and uniforms we see so many smiles. I have gotten hugs; I have been called a “super star”, a leader, an inspiration, a role model and a friend by these children. Our most frequently asked questions when we have our monthly visits are “How do I become a cheerleader?” and “How do I play on the football and basketball team when I’m older?” and what I tell these children is always the same advice and that is “You have to work hard in school and not get in any trouble”.
Getting through to kids can be hard sometimes, but I remember being their age, watching the cheerleaders come to my school and knowing that I would do whatever I had to do just to be in their position one day. I feel my advice to these kids is heavily changing our community for the better. The elementary kids are focusing on their grades and staying out of trouble, so they too can experience what it’s like to hold the pom-poms or throw a football as the crowd yells on their feet. Cheer is an amazing thing, and I am forever thankful for the opportunities I have been given to help kids throughout the community stay on the right track to success.