Cheer team gains exposure, leadership opportunities from FedEx Forum event
– Cheerleaders at Jackson Central-Merry Middle and High School had the opportunity to participate in the Memphis Grizzlies Spirit Day game sponsored by Varsity Spirit. Of the 33 middle and high school girls that make up the cheer teams, 28 participated in this exciting event at the FedEx Forum on Saturday, February 25th.
“It was so exciting. We were the stars of the show! The crowd was really big, but they loved our performance. We found out about it a couple of months ago and didn’t have a lot of time to practice our routine, but the Cougars always show up and show out and do the best we can,” stated senior cheerleader Nichole Adams.
The teams were extended an invitation by Megan Hulet, the State Director of Varsity Spirit. The girls were joined by high school coach Jennifer Freeman and middle school coach Essence Bush. During their time at the Forum, the JCM Middle and High cheer teams participated in a meet and greet with the Memphis Grizzlies Dancers and performed a routine during the pregame show.
“At JCM, we’re all about extending leadership and engagement opportunities for students outside of the classroom. This is just one example of what makes our school unique. As an administrator, seeing students excel outside the classroom makes you so proud,” JCM High School Principal Ramonica Dorsey said.
The exposure and leadership opportunity this event afforded the JCM cheer team was unmatched. Although many regional schools such as White Station High School, Cordova, and Germantown Middle were represented, JCM took ownership by leading when they were placed in the front row during the
performance.
“This Grizzlies event was the last time for our seven high school seniors to perform, so to end their season at an NBA game was really special. Some of the girls had never been to an NBA game before. They all did really well, and it was a great way to end the season together,” said high school cheer coach Jennifer Freeman.
