In addition to competing, the squad is actively involved in a variety of charitable activities. In December, it hosted a second annual toy drive during one of the school’ s basketball games, which benefited the Sharpsburg Family Worship Center. The team also spent time at the church wrapping the gifts, which were distributed to children within the district. Last year’ s gifts were donated to Children’ s Hospital of Pittsburgh / UPMC.
“ I believe it’ s important for any team or club to participate in charity, because it reminds us of what is really important,” says Krista, 17, a senior.“ This year, being able to not only gather the toys but also wrap them for kids felt rewarding. It is important to take time out of our busy schedules to help others.”
The girls also participate in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Pineapple Classic 5K run at Hartwood Acres, where they cheer on racers as they cross the finish line. The squad also holds periodic“ Little Foxes Cheer Camps” through the year, where children in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in weeklong cheer camps.
“ I believe that giving back to the community is very important,” says Balcer.“ It helps [ the girls ] grow as people and they begin to understand the needs of the community. We are all about showing our school and community spirit.”
The squad also enjoyed several long-distance achievements, including a trip to Orlando, Florida, in December, where they performed a four-minute dance routine during halftime of the Russell Athletic Bowl Game, along with 15 other dance and cheer teams.
“ It was a great opportunity to meet new people and to perform before a crowd of approximately 48,000 people,” says Balcer.“ This is something that most kids can only dream about.”
During that trip, the girls had the opportunity to perform in the Universal Studios Macy’ s Holiday Parade, which features the same type of huge, colorful balloons as seen in the Macy’ s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
“ To be able to perform during the parade was an experience like no other,” adds Balcer.“ We heard so many little girls say that they were excited to see the cheerleaders. It’ s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
According to Krista, being able to cheer with her team at the Athletic Bowl was her favorite experience so far this year.
“ It was very exciting to cheer in front of that many people,” she says.
The devotion and enthusiasm the girls have for both the cheerleading program and the Fox Chapel area community at large is impressive, states Balcer.
“ I can’ t even begin to explain how proud I am of these girls. I care for them as if they were my own,” she says.“ Their hard work and dedication never ceases to amaze me. Not only do they cheer for the high school, but they also have other school and out‐of‐school activities and hold jobs, all while maintaining good grades. I have a fabulous group of girls and they continue to exceed my expectations, day after day.” n
Fox Chapel Area | Spring 2017 | icmags. com 47