Winslow High School has recently introduced its first Unified Cheer Team, thanks to the initiative of senior Adeline “Addie” Blackstone. The idea came about when a group of special needs students expressed interest in being cheerleaders, and with the support of the school administration, 13 varsity cheerleaders as mentors, and financial backing from the ShineOnCass Foundation, the team is up and running.
Unified sports, which combine students with and without intellectual disabilities, aim to promote inclusion and acceptance. Winslow now joins other high schools and the Alfond Youth Community Center in offering unified cheerleading opportunities. The foundation provided funding for uniforms, allowing the team to have matching T-shirts for games.
Blackstone, who received the ShineOnCass Junior Service Award, was inspired to start the Unified Cheer Team as a way to honor Cassidy Charette, the foundation’s namesake. Charette, a community volunteer and youth mentor, passed away in 2014. With the support of the community and ShineOnCass, Blackstone’s dream of creating a unified cheer team has become a reality.
The team has received overwhelming support from students, parents, and the community, with the bleachers filled at home games. Unified science teacher and cheer team advisor Kelly Daignault highlights the positive impact of student mentorship, emphasizing the importance of inclusion at Winslow High School.
For parents like Debbie Michaud, whose daughter Brooklyn is a special needs student on the team, the experience has brought immense joy. Brooklyn’s participation in cheering allows her to share her happiness with others and be part of a team. The Winslow Unified Cheer Team is set to continue spreading joy and promoting inclusivity at upcoming games on February 11th and 13th.
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