At first glance, Fremont’s cheerleaders look like any other squad out there. They practice flips, make sure their make-up is perfect and cheer at all the athletic events. But there’s something different about them this year that sets them apart from previous groups, something that makes Coach Jill Schofield say, “In all of my years of coaching (18 years), I can honestly say that this is going to be the most memorable.” What could make that much difference? What could possibly change the way these girls not only cheer, but also affect how they live their lives? All one has to do is look at one of the cheerleader’s own named Kennedy Hansen.
Last June, Kennedy was diagnosed with juvenile Batten disease, a rare and fatal genetic disorder that destroys brain functions. Kennedy has lost her eyesight and most of her verbal skills, and deals with seizures, among other symptoms. Even with all these difficulties, Kennedy still manages to remain positive, and the cheerleaders out at Fremont are doing everything they can to help make her dream come true of being a cheerleader herself. It may be a challenge sometimes, but these girls know how much it means not only to Kennedy, but also, to her family, to see her shine bright.
Kennedy goes to practices once a week, participates in cheering at sporting events and even goes with the rest of the squad to compete at different competitions. She was able to go with them to the regional cheer competition on February 8th where Fremont took first place for the 5A region as well as going to the state competition on February 15th where they took 2nd place. Coach Schofield says Kennedy is a member of the team in every way. “We have never viewed her as any different from the rest of the team. Sure, we have had to make a few adjustments to accommodate some physical limitations. But even with those few adjustments, Kennedy has proven time and time again that she is just one of the girls! We wouldn't be a complete team without her.”
The girls, along with the rest of the school, absolutely love Kennedy. They have even given her the nickname of Fremont’s angel. It’s easy to see how much they love spending time with Kennedy. The cheerleaders each take turns going to spend time with Kennedy in groups of three to her house. They enjoy talking with her (especially about boys just like any other teenager), getting her ready to go cheer, and singing Taylor Swift songs with her. Like Coach Schofield said, the girls do everything they can to make Kennedy feel like a part of the team.
Schofield also talked a lot about how much the entire team has learned from Kennedy. She shared an experience of how she asked Kennedy if she had any challenges. Instead of saying “yes,” Kennedy immediately said “no” and that she has fun. This really touched Schofield and the rest of the girls. “The truth is taught by a 16-year-old girl who can't see with her eyes, but has more clarity than most grown, aged adults,” Schofield said. This attitude of Kennedy’s is exactly what Schofield wants all the other cheerleaders to remember. “I want them... to know their own strength so that when they face their own challenges, they can respond by counting their blessings and serving people around them rather than feel defeated and giving up,” she said. Kennedy truly is an angel whose life has impacted so many lives and will continue to do so for many years to come.
