Young cheerleaders learning the value of service to others

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Nearly two dozen young Ringgold cheerleaders are learning that leadership comes with responsibility.

The Ringgold Division 3 Cheerleaders, which includes 23 members in grades K-2, collected nonperishable food, school supplies and craft items to be used or distributed by Strive for a Better Tomorrow. 

The nonprofit drop-in center is located on McKean Avenue in Donora, and D3 cheerleaders head coach Leane Brown said the center has been a great resource in the area and for her young cheerleaders.

“It’s a safe space for them to drop in any time they want. They have food and activities and crafts,” Brown said. “We were lucky to use their upstairs as our cheer space when it was raining for two weeks.”

Brown, who is a social worker, said it’s important for the youngsters to learn from a young age to care for other people and to understand the roles of a leader.

“I always try to get my teams, whatever I’m coaching, to do something to give back, especially something for kids,” Brown said.  “It’s more than being a leader on the sidelines and on the field. It’s being a leader in school and in the community as well.”

This fall’s D3 cheerleaders didn’t disappoint when it came to grasping the concepts of service and leadership. 

“The girls had a discussion on why it’s important,” Brown said. “Even my kindergarten girls said it’s important to help people because some kids don’t have mommies and daddies and don’t have people to cook for them.”

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