LHS Cheerleaders To Perform At Browns Game
Cheerleading coach Amy Staib leads a summer practice at First Federal Lakewood Stadium.
Last season the Lakewood High Cheerleading squad introduced disabled students to the team via a program called “The Sparkle Effect.” The “Sparkles” were a huge hit with teammates and fans, and will return to the sidelines this football season. In fact, the LHS cheer team will perform at the September 1st Cleveland Browns home game against Chicago.
“It’s always nice to be included in their events,” says head coach Amy Staib about the Browns. The Cleveland Browns Foundation is a sponsor of the Sparkle program, which provides a loud and public symbol of acceptance to the community. Junior Captain Kiana Tyus is looking forward to the chance to perform in front of an NFL crowd. She describes the trip as “a little nerve racking, but it’s still very exciting.”
Tyus enjoys working with the Sparkles. “It helps us realize that even though they have disabilities, they can do the cheers too.” The Sparkles will perform at each of the Rangers home football games, as well as some other events. The cheerleaders are excited about it. “It makes you feel good to know that you are making a difference,” says Tyus.
Mike Deneen
Mike Deneen has extensive experience covering sports and community stories for the Lakewood Observer. Mike has been a Senior Industry Analyst for the Freedonia Group in Cleveland, Ohio, since 1998. He has appeared on CNBC’s Closing Bell, NPR’s MarketPlace and has been quoted multiple times in The Wall Street Journal. He has made multiple guest appearances on ESPN Cleveland radio. Mike also writes for Inside Northwestern, a website that covers Northwestern Wildcat Athletics. You can reach him on Twitter at @MikeDeneen1