DEED Spotlight on CHS Cheer

DEED Spotlight on Compassionate Leadership, Chugiak High School

This year the Friday Night Lights of football look different due to social distancing, masks, and limited tickets. However, on a chilly night in October, the cold metal stands were buzzing with a few warmly bundled, socially distanced families and teenagers cheering on their teams. As the game progressed, examples of sportsmanship from the Anchorage School District’s (ASD) Chugiak High School Cheerleading squad spread warmth and cheer to both teams.

During halftime, the opposing team’s cheerleading squad from ASD’s, Service High School, took the field to perform for the crowd. The Chugiak Cheerleaders wrapped up in blankets and ran into the backfield to cheer for the opposing squad. The Chugiak Cheerleaders shouted words of encouragement and whoops of appreciation for the stylistic moves and jumps from the opposite side. When the Chugiak Cheerleaders wandered back to their own sidelines, they were excited to share the reason behind their act of sportsmanship.

Alexis Carlson, a sophomore at Chugiak High School, stated “We cheer on the other cheerleaders to show sportsmanship.”

“Showing the other team that we care and support them is important to promote sportsmanship for them and for the fans.” shared Kaelyn Kosal, a junior new to the squad this year.

Senior, Evelyn Gardner, expressed that the team works to teach sportsmanship by, “cheering for the opposing team’s cheer squads when they perform, smiling (even behind masks) no matter what happens, and doing what we can to make the fans and football players happy and encouraged.”

The Chugiak Cheerleading squad is coached by Head Coach Eleanor Greenlund, and volunteer coaches, Briana Thibodeau and Mikaela Greenlund.   “There are multiple facets to sportsmanship. We focus on teaching cheers that are appropriate and not derogatory or inflammatory to the other side. We promote teamwork and supporting each other. Before every game we also take treat bags to the other squad. It is a tradition.” Coach Greenlund stated.

Ms. Thibodeau said, “We encourage gifts, which includes the gift of respectful feedback. We want to build their confidence.” Coach Briana and Coach Greenlund explained they provide opportunities for the girls to perform for one another and teach about receiving and giving accolades as well as how to grow from feedback.  The team also supports local community activities like food drives and other service-related events. The coaches believe in providing opportunities to build people up and that includes the football team, fellow cheerleaders, fans, and the people in their community.  “Leader is in their title, so we want them to accept the responsibility that comes with leadership. They are leaders in the community - not just on the field. We want them to be compassionate individuals, responsible students and athletes who show initiative, and leaders who know how to ask for help.” said Coach Greenlund.

The coaches highlighted the need for the squad to take ownership over their learning, gear, and attitudes. The goal is for their cheerleaders to translate the life lessons learned from cheering in front of a crowd to demonstrating compassionate leadership in front of the world.

Thank you, Chugiak High School Cheer, for teaching compassionate leadership to Alaska’s future leaders!