As teachers at Hardy Williams Academy Mastery Charter School, a Title I elementary school in Southwest Philadelphia, part of our mission includes doing whatever possible to ensure educational equity for our students. This mission does not cease at the end of the school day. Our children deserve extra-curricular opportunities that promote values of teamwork, motivation, and responsibility, as well as ensure a safe space for our children to be after school. Therefore, we have started a cheerleading team for 26 of our young ladies to participate in twice a week after school. This is the first athletic team for females at Hardy Williams, and the majority of the team has never been a part of a cheerleading team before. Since our start in October, we have seen these young ladies come together as a team and accomplish great improvements in their cheerleading abilities, as well as their behaviors in school. We would love to enter our team in a cheerleading competition, as well as other school events to showcase their hard work and skills.
Unfortunately, the cost of proper uniforms, pom-poms, sneakers, bows, etc. is far too high to ask our girls to pay, or for school fundraisers to cover in its entirety. Sneakers are a major need, considering the safety of the girls when performing certain tricks and stunts. We are asking for any type of donation or monetary assistance/discounts you could provide to support the first ever Hardy Williams Academy Mastery Charter School Cheerleaders. Anything helps!