When students talk about clubs, they are usually described as a group that shares a common interest together. The Sparkles cheer team may be centered around the interest of cheer, but it is so much more than just a club; it is a family.

Sparkles is an all-inclusive cheer squad that was started in 2008 by Sarah Cronk. Cronk had a younger sibling with a disability who often felt discluded from sports and clubs. Cronk started Sparkles to give students with disabilities the opportunity to be a part of a team. The Pleasant Valley Sparkles team of 2008 then went on to become famous for its inclusiveness and then became a nationwide non-profit organization: Generation Spirit. 

Junior and Sparkles assistant captain Katie Miller explained her experience with Sparkles’ positivity. “Sparkles is such a positive environment for its mentors and its members because everyone always wants the best for each other, and to have the most fun time possible so there is never a boring moment when the Sparkles team is together,” she expressed.

The leadership that the Sparkles membership undergoes is remarkable. Being in the position of head captain for three years, I have seen Sparkles members grow and develop into extremely independent and confident young students. 

Watching the student growth is gratifying.

Former co-captain and college freshman Caroline Corcoran described how she enjoyed watching Sparkles grow. “I was a part of Sparkles for all 4 years in high school and watching each member slowly grow out of their shell and open up has been rewarding to watch. Each member has matured and showed so much progress throughout the time that I was there,” she said.

Corcoran went on to explain Sparkles’ post high-school impact. “I still constantly think of Sparkles and miss the positive environment. It has impacted the way I treat others and it has also impacted my empathism,” she said. 

Working with atypical individuals has caused students to mature in various ways throughout high school. Patience and communication skills progressively advance for members and mentors on the team through activities, games and teamwork.

Senior Jazzie Zupanzic, a member of the Sparkles squad, explained her experiences.  “I have been a cheerleader on sparkles since I was a little kid and it’s really really fun! My favorite part is cheering at games and making the student section happy,” she said.

The team may just seem like a group of students participating in cheers, stunts and jumps, but it builds a sense of camaraderie throughout the squad. By progressively building skill levels, it also builds reliance and motivation in the students’ mindsets. 

I have been a part of Sparkles for four years and I have been the head captain of Sparkles for the past three years. Throughout my Sparkles journey, I have worked with numerous atypical students, but I didn’t realize how these students have helped me just as much as I have helped them. 

One word to describe Sparkles is pure. The purity in the hearts of the Sparkles members is something I have never seen in anyone else before. Sparkles causes any audience watching to smile, and the team radiates positivity and kindness.