Students with Special Needs to Cheer at Neuqua's Football Game 9/29

NEUQUA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CHEER WITH A PEER PROGRAM

Friday night lights just got a little brighter thanks to Neuqua Valley High School senior, Adreanne Nelson bringing the Cheer with a Peer program to Naperville.

"I wanted to find a way for my friends/peers from Neuqua's Peer Partners and Best Buddies programs, who often feel left out because of their limitations, to be part of something to show their school pride."

Adreanne's idea was well received by Varsity Head Coach, Kathy Tichelbaut who proudly says the cheerleaders are Ambassadors of the school and wants to provide ample opportunity to all athletes to be a part of the Neuqua community.

Cheer, like many other sports, can be a big time commitment, which can deter athletes with special needs from participating. "Cheer with a Peer can allow these competitors a chance to be involved without being overwhelmed," Adreanne says. "There is nothing more exciting than being out on the field rooting on your team."

This new program doesn't only promote school spirit and inclusion, but has allowed everyone who is involved to flourish and become more enriched - a valuable lesson Adreanne has learned first-hand from years of volunteering and service work.

The 19 participants, recruited from the special education classes at Neuqua Valley High School, partook in two, 1-hour practices after school with Neuqua's varsity cheer team to prep them for the big night. They will cheer on the Wildcats this upcoming Friday, September 29th at 7:30 pm against Naperville North for the first half of the game.