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