By Special Correspondent
NEWELL—Last Spring, Deb Kopetsky and Kim Bachman set out to form a cheer squad for Newell School District. It was their understanding it had been quite a few years since there had been cheerleaders at the games.
After locating the uniforms and getting them dry cleaned, Kopetsky and Bachman took inventory. Day uniforms, warm jackets, pants, and shoes were among some of the things that would need to be purchased. Pompons needed to be cleaned. (All of this has been accomplished due to two anonymous donors.)
Late last spring, multiple invitations to meetings were extended to the student body in order to gather interest in a cheer team. When no one showed up to any meetings, Kopetsky and Bachman went on a 1:1 recruiting mission around school. Sadly, many said no, but interspersed throughout the nos were some yeses! Four brave individuals caught the vision and wanted to bring school spirit to a new height.
Ayricka Schulte, Bryn Hockenbary, Aiyana Sackett, and Kylynn Lewis all stepped up to form the new squad. Within the first two weeks of the newly formed squad, the team traveled to Spearfish attending a one-on-one cheer camp with Lily, the Spearfish cheer sponsor. Cheers, jumps, and the importance of image were covered extensively. Since that time, the Newell Cheer Squad has been meeting weekly to practice and plan the many events in the fall schedule. They will do Pep Rallies for the home football games, including a Pep Rally on Main Street following the Homecoming Parade (details are being worked out with all authorities and individuals involved).
“We know the student body and community will extend grace and offer encouragement to these four brave gals as they embark upon this new venture. They are about to be out in front of hundreds of people and that can be scary. It is all new to them and they feel the weight of doing well in unchartered territory. Ayricka, Bryn, Aiyana, and Kylynn are proud to represent this school and appreciate your support,” Kim Bachman.
First home football game is Sept 9th.
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