As a (step)parent and member of the Neenah community, I believe our students deserve a wide range of opportunities to participate, connect, and show pride in their school. One such opportunity is cheerleading — a program that helps build confidence, leadership, teamwork, and school spirit.

A proposal was recently shared outlining a way to bring back a cheer program at Neenah High School under a self-funded, volunteer-led model that would require no district funding or staffing — only practice space and inclusion under existing school insurance. This approach would make it possible to reintroduce cheer at no additional cost while giving more students a chance to be involved in school activities.

I want to offer this petition as a show of support for those leading the initiative and to let the district know that many of us in the Neenah community appreciate and stand behind this idea.

Many students have expressed interest in cheering for their school again, and it’s clear the excitement is there. As someone who has sat in the stands at nearly every game, I’ve heard the same thing over and over from parents, students, and fans — that something is missing, and that we need cheerleaders back on the sidelines. It’s something people notice and miss every single week. Recently, we’ve also seen posts about the Menasha Cheer Co-Op program, where some Neenah students are now participating so they can continue cheering. That alone shows how strong the interest still is. Our students want — and should be able — to represent their own school and keep doing what they love.

Cheer and dance often get mentioned together, but they’re really two different things that complement each other rather than compete.

• Cheerleading focuses on leading the crowd, supporting athletic teams, and keeping energy high throughout the game. It also involves athletic elements such as stunting, tumbling, jumps, and formations that require teamwork, strength, and proper technique.
• Dance focuses on performance and artistry, showcasing choreographed routines during halftime and competitions.

Both programs can easily exist side by side, as they do in many nearby schools like Appleton East, North, and West, Fox Valley Lutheran, Freedom, and Bay Port. Each one offers students a unique way to be part of their school community and to build confidence, teamwork, and pride.

While Neenah is fortunate to have the Rocket Rowdys, that group isn’t a cheer program. The Rowdys do an awesome job bringing energy to the student section, but a cheer team leads the entire crowd — families, students, alumni, and community members — and represents the school in an organized, year-round way. Both groups can exist together and actually make each other stronger.

This petition is meant to show community interest in bringing cheer back to Neenah High School under a volunteer-based model.

By signing, you’re helping show support for reintroducing cheer as a positive, inclusive opportunity for students when the district next reviews extracurricular offerings.

Thank you for supporting the continued growth of student activities and school spirit in Neenah.

— Evelyn Jordan, Neenah Parent