Ms. Stacy McKinster, an administrator for Townsend Park Health and Rehabilitation Center, sent out a simple letter asking local cheerleading coaches if their squads might be willing to come to perform for her residents. Due to concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, “our patients have been confined to their rooms with little interaction with family and friends.” “It’s been a rough year for all of us,” McKinster writes.

Cass High’s Basketball Cheerleading Coach and National English Honor Society adviser Micaela Armona was touched by McKinster’s kind-hearted request and immediately committed her girls to a December 15th visit. “As important as it is for our cheerleaders to support our Colonel teams, it is also important for my girls to be true leaders in our community. This visit was a clear opportunity for us to get out into our community and show our Colonel pride as well as bring holiday cheer to those who made need it the most this season.”

O’Shauna Finch, a Cass High senior and basketball cheerleader, said, “It may have been cold outside yesterday, but it was completely worth it to see [the residents] through the windows smiling and waving at us.”

Sophomore cheerleaders Chanya Sutton and Loren Montoya agreed. “It was fun going on an adventure together as a team, especially knowing that we were able to bring joy to others,” Montoya remarked.

After committing the girls to a performance, Mrs. Armona knew that there was more that could be done to bring the residents of Townsend Park joy and season greetings. Teaming up with the National English Honor Society and the National Honor Society, the Cass family set out to create holiday cards for all 90 residents. “My room was covered in construction paper and glitter glue for days, but I didn’t mind. My heart was filled with so much pride and admiration for my Colonels. They didn’t think twice about the request; instead, they just jumped in and said let’s create some holiday magic!”