Varsity and JV Cheerleaders Proud To Be Athletes in Action

For the past month and a half, the Harrison High School Varsity and JV Cheerleaders have been actively involved as Athletes in Action providing enthusiasm, encouragement, empathy for Wall Street Rides FAR (for Autism Research), for students at the Pleasantville Cottages, and in their own Harrison community.

The Varsity and JV Cheerleaders have been the first sports teams to participate in Athletes in Action, a service project presented by Harrison High School athletes to Christopher Galano, Director of Physical Education, Athletics and Health for the Harrison Central School District, to integrate community service into the Harrison Athletics program.

In mid-October, the members of the Varsity and JV teams took turns in shifts lending encouragement and energy for the families and riders who participated in 62-, 30-, 20- and 4-mile bike rides around Saxon Woods. There was also a 5K run for families as well, and all proceeds benefited the Autism Science Foundation (ASF). The presence of motivated, excited Harrison Cheerleaders boosted the morale of those participating in this amazing event.

In November, the Huskies Cheerleaders spent the day with young people who are currently residing at the Pleasantville Cottages, a home to children displaced from their families.

“Upon arrival, we had an ice-breaker between the cheerleaders and the cottage kids which allowed the two groups to get comfortable with each other,” said Julia Brefere, Head Coach for the Harrison Cheerleaders. “Following that, the cheerleaders performed a cheer to capture everyone’s attention and showed the kids what they do.”

“Once the girls cheered, the Cottage kids were hooked! They wanted to play with their poms, learn cheers, and know everything about what it’s like to be a cheerleader. In one corner, girls were teaching cheers 1-on-1, and in another corner, we had a group of cheerleaders talking about the sport to other kids. They were having so much fun that our girls did not want to leave,” said Brefere.

“It was heartwarming and humbling to interact with kids that don’t have much but make the best of everything. It was so great to see the Cottage kids light up and have so much fun. This is what being a cheerleader if all about!”

Following the visit to the Cottages, the Harrison Cheerleaders hosted a “Night with a Cheerleader.” This event is an opportunity for the younger students (and possibly aspiring Huskies Cheerleaders) to mingle with the older students who are excited to teach them about the sport.

The girls warm up and stretch together and then do some basic tumbling skills. The Harrison Cheerleaders teach the attendees two or three cheers that the older athletes have performed at the Harrison Football games.

“The younger girls really look up to the cheerleaders and they love spending a night with them,” said Brefere. “These girls are the future! We have seen great success with the program and will try to get one night in monthly.”

The Harrison Huskies Varsity and JV Cheerleaders have begun their competitive season and once again will look to earn a bid to the UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida in February and will vie for the Section 1 Championship later this Winter season.