Lincolnshire pom squad says thanks with a tree

The rustle of pompons and giggles from children filled the air at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit on Monday as the Lincolnshire Bolts pom squad gathered in the garden for a tree-planting ceremony. A maple tree was selected and placed near the church's main entrance.

"Every year the Lutheran church allows us to utilize their space here to practice at no cost," said Michelle Brooks, the squad's co-director and a native of Lincolnshire. "So we talked to the pastor about giving back, and we agreed on a tree planting."

Brooks and Leah Farris took over the cheer and dance program from Kelly Bickoff five years ago to continue improving self confidence and encouraging teamwork in girls entering grades K-5. "Each year we get together and do an act of service so we can help the children learn not only that they are lucky to be here, but also that they can help others at the same time," added Farris, of Lake Forest. "Some are quite young, so we're just 'planting the seed' to learn to give back."

The Lincolnshire Bolts will be performing at Spring Lake Park for the Fourth of July celebration and various other events throughout the summer.