During the fall football season, varsity cheerleaders received help promoting school spirit from various elementary cheer squads at Friday night football games across the district.
Known as minis, these fourth and fifth graders are members of the elementary cheer teams for their respective high school local feeder pattern. This year the Student Activities Department rolled out an elementary cheer program, and high school game nights were one opportunity for the minis to perform with their high school counterparts, said Shenita Jones, Student Activities coordinator.
“We have 63 elementary campuses with more than 1,200 students participating in the cheer program,” Jones said. “Feeder Pattern nights allow these young cheerleaders to cheer with their high school peers.”
She added, “The district is providing every cheer elementary team with a bus so that they can participate in a Feeder Pattern Night.”
Damian Robichaux, Molina High cheer coach, is happy to have the elementary cheerleaders on the sidelines with his team. He said “exposure and authentic experiences” are important to build a solid foundation for high school cheer programs.
“Participation in Feeder Patter Night is not only positive for young cheerleaders, but it also increases the crowd capacity and adds to the level of excitement in the stadium,” Coach Robichaux said. “It gives those who would never go to a football game a chance to see their daughter or son in a new light, and it helps bring that positive community feeling back to the stands.”
With the football season ending, many of the schools have already requested transportation to participate in Feeder Pattern Nights for the upcoming basketball season.
