STEM at Blodgett Cheerleading Team Boosts School Pride
The shouts in the Syracuse STEM at Blodgett cafeteria can be heard from down the hall.“When we say lions, you say roar!”
The energy is palpable, and the pom poms are waving. The school’s cheerleading team is practicing their cheers – which they’ll perform at the upcoming boys basketball game.
Thanks to support from the SCSD Athletics Department, all middle schools were offered the opportunity to launch a cheerleading team this school year.
8th grade ELA teacher Leeza Roper usually hosts the dance portion of the school’s annual talent show, so when a group of her 8th grade girls expressed interest in cheer, she jumped at the opportunity to support them.
“At this age, it’s so important for them to have a role model – especially one who’s also a younger woman of color,” Ms. Roper explained. “I didn’t have that when I was their age. The middle school environment can be tough. We focus a lot on adjusting our mindset, controlling our emotions, being accountable for yourself and for your teammates, and supporting each other. This is a sisterhood.”
The girls on the team agree – noting the impact that sisterhood has had on them.
“I used to do dance outside of school, but I stopped because I lost motivation,” 8th grader Ellieyanna Lamar shared. “Cheer is bringing me back – it’s fun to get people hyped up! The positive energy of the team is the best part… we all help each other out and help each other be better.”
“It’s really fun to be on a team,” 7th grader Anisa Abramson added. “It’s been great to help me learn to talk to different people and meet more people. It’s also a great opportunity for girls to have more options after school, besides volleyball and basketball.”
Head Captain Ti’anna Mosquera noted that Ms. Roper’s personality makes her the perfect coach – noting that she loves them but also holds them accountable.
“Ms. Roper helps us a lot. She’ll get under our skin if we get in trouble!” she said. “It motivates the school when we cheer…and it helps me motivate myself. Because of cheerleading, I have a louder voice sticking up for myself. It also helps keep me from getting in trouble.”
“The cheerleading team motivates me to get my work done so I can get to practice,” Co-Captain Elvianis Pinet agreed. “Being part of the team has also helped me turn myself around in school – I want to be better now… being part of the team makes me want to stay out of the halls.”
Among the practices and games, the cheer team gathers regularly for team building activities, group discussion circles, and more – talking about how they feel and what they could do to improve.
“This has been perfect for my mental health,” 8th grader Evonys Rivera shared. “I get stressed out during the school day, but cheer is a distraction. The energy is great. Plus, the boys coach is tough on them – we’re a positive influence and help hype them up!”
Way go to, cheer team… we love seeing you help boost your school’s #SCSDSpirit!
