Two cheerleaders from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School combined their love of the sport with their business and leadership savvy last month when they offered a clinic for children aspiring to cheer one day.
Jelena Valentin, a junior, and Anne Jacques, a sophomore, organized a cheerleading clinic on at the school’s gymnasium. Valentin and Jacques, members of the school’s DECA club, organized the clinic to practice project management skills and give back to the community.
“Holding a clinic for younger students interested in cheerleading was a wonderful idea, and this was a great way for Jelena and Anne to practice their DECA skills, share their love of cheerleading, connect with the next generation of cheerleaders and raise money for their sports team,” Whittier Superintendent Maureen Lynch said.
A group of 14 children in kindergarten through fifth grade attended the clinic, which was led by Whittier Tech’s cheerleading team, and learned two cheers—a dance and basic stunts. At the end of the clinic, the children put on a show for parents and guardians to showcase their new skills. Each child who took part in the clinic was also given a t-shirt printed by students in Whittier’s Graphic Communications program, as well as a cheer bow.
Valentin and Jacques partnered with Marketing Teacher Amanda Crosby and Cheerleading Coach Stephanie Hatchell to plan the event.
DECA, a nonprofit student organization, works with high schools and colleges to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
The clinic also served as a fundraiser for Whittier Tech’s varsity cheerleading team, and raised $490. The students are planning to hold the clinic again next year, with hopes to expand the program to have the children who attend give a cheer performance at a Whittier football game during half time as well.