Hudson High School’s varsity cheerleading team brings up the crowd’s energy every Friday night at football games. But the best part of the evening is when the Sparkle Cheerleaders step onto the track and melt the fans’ hearts.
Sparkle Cheer is a cheerleading program at Hudson designed to include athletes with special needs by pairing them with varsity cheerleaders who serve as mentors and teammates. Together, they perform at games and events, showcasing school spirit while promoting inclusion and friendship. Sparkle gives every athlete the chance to wear a uniform, be part of a team and shine in front of their community.
Unlike traditional teams, Sparkle focuses less on complex stunts or routines and more on teamwork and encouragement. Whether it’s waving poms, leading a chant or just showing their biggest smiles, every member contributes to the team’s success.
Every Wednesday after school, Sparkle Cheer gathers under the bleachers to practice their cheers. Each cheerleader takes a turn calling their favorite cheer to review. Some popular ones include “Bugaloo,” “Go Bananas” and “Dynamite.”
(Emily Stevens)
Senior co-captains Adalynn Polonye and Ella Gilanyi recently introduced some new cheers to the Sparkle team, which will be performed for the first time at the home football game against Wadsworth. Polonye shared, “I love working with the students doing something I love.”
The impact of Sparkle goes far beyond Friday nights. Not only has it built leadership skills, but it has also created new friendships that extend outside of the team. Many athletes talk about how their confidence has grown, how they’ve learned to work with new people, and how being part of Sparkle has given them a sense of belonging. Parents, too, often remark on how much their kids look forward to practices and games.
For the varsity cheerleaders who serve as mentors, the experience is just as meaningful. They learn patience, leadership, and the importance of celebrating progress in every form. Senior varsity cheerleader Hailey Benoit said, “I love getting to spend time with kids that I normally don’t get to see during the day.”
Sparkle Cheer proves that cheerleading isn’t just about sidelines or stunts—it’s about lifting others higher, both on and off the field. The program has given athletes a place to shine, build friendships that last beyond a season and bring the community together in a heartwarming way.
