The Fox Chapel Area High School cheerleading squad has been practicing hard over the summer in preparation for the Foxes’ 2016-2017 sports season.
Last year, the squad took first place in their division in the Elite Cheerleading Best in the ‘Burgh contest held at the University of Pittsburgh. Second-year coach Aleta Balcer said the girls would participate in at least one cheer competition this year as well.
Besides their appearance at school events, the award-winning team will root on racers at the annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 5K Pineapple Classic. The event will be held Saturday, September 17, at Hartwood Acres.
Then, on September 26, 27, and 29, team members will conduct the annual fall Little Foxes Cheer Camp. After working with the older girls, the campers will perform alongside them during the first half of the Foxes’ Friday, September 30 varsity football game versus Mars Area High School.
The 24-member squad will be busy over the holiday season too. The cheerleaders were invited to perform at the halftime show at the TaxSlayer Bowl (formerly the Gator Bowl), which will be broadcast on ESPN at 11 a.m., December 31, 2016. In addition, the preceding day, they will participate in the ACC/Big 10 pep rally. They will be doing various fundraising events in the fall to pay for their trip.
But Coach Balcer’s goal for the squad isn’t just about school spirit. She has made sure the girls also carve out time for team community service projects.
“I think it’s important for them to contribute to the community in some manner and begin a lifelong experience of service,” says the coach. “Being a cheerleader isn’t just about cheering on their school teams, it’s also about giving back, doing good deeds, and spreading optimism.”
One of those projects is their annual holiday toy drive, something they will repeat in 2016. Coach Balcer says she is in the midst of exploring additional community service endeavors that the team can do throughout the school year.
“These girls are hard working and very talented,” says their coach. “They have the ability to be the best in all facets of their lives, and it is my intent to bring that out and let them shine.”