The cheerleading team coach, and the entire squad, should have just made her a member right off the bat, and worked out ways for her to participate. It would have been a wonderful story. Teenage girls can be really dumb, mean, and petty ( I know, I raised two)..so I’m inclinded to fault the coach, the school AD,and the principal for not having more smarts.
I was thinking the same thing. In a better world, they could have arranged for her to participate according to her abilities, simply as a kindness.
However, in the real world, dozens (hundreds?) of others not chosen to be cheerleaders would throw conniptions and lawsuits, because life is all about winning, darnit, never about simply doing something generous out of love.
Maybe. Some kind of honorary deal. There are other issues. These squads travel to and from games, have required camps, and perform many functions for the ASB’s.
Seems like if the parents would sue to get her on the squad, they’d sue for anything that happens to her while she’s on the squad.
What does one have to do with the other? Yes, teen girls can be mean. Forcing the squad to take this girl isn't going to make things any easier for her. In fact, it may make it harder.
As to your comment about working out a way for her to participate. I'd be fine with that if she were mentally handicapped. But she isn't. She needs to realize that she is physically handicapped and that is her cross to bear. That doesn't mean the world revolves around her.
Good point.
It said she scored high in communications and spirit/enthusiasm, and lets face it, that’s about 30% of being a cheerleader.
I say give her a modified uniform, put some pom-poms on the wheelchair, and a portable PA system, and let her work the crowd up.
Understandably, minus artificial limbs, I’d say jumping and doing a routine like “Mickey” (ie, Toni Basil) is a little out of the question. But I give her points for ambition. If you’re gonna dream, dream big.
>>Teenage girls can be really dumb, mean, and petty ( I know, I raised two)..so I’m inclinded to fault the coach, the school AD,and the principal for not having more smarts.
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She was allowed to try out, just like every other candidate.
She failed on the physical aspects. Her scores were not high enough to be on the squad.
Other girls DID qualify, based on their scores.
So are you still for this “affirmative action” move?
That would be handicapping the entire squad. What do you suggest when she wants to be on the soccer or volleyball teams?
BTW, I worked with physically handicapped kids and adults, some of whom did remakable things, but they understood they didn't have what it takes to be a cheerleader. Pun intended.