By Steve Williams
Cheri Duncan’s cheerleaders did their part in helping Halls High School make Christmas brighter for many families this year.
The cheer squad “adopted” a family for Christmas and provided gifts for them.
The adoption was part of the school’s total adoption efforts, said Duncan. “The school helped over 70 kids this year,” she noted. “Classes, clubs and sports teams ‘adopt’ kids in the community and provide Christmas for them.”
The Halls cheerleaders, who always seem to be busy during the holidays, also worked at Fantasy of Trees the day before Thanksgiving, with proceeds from the annual event going to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
According to Halls Athletic Director Tucker Jackson, the Lady Red Devils’ softball team has volunteered at the Fantasy of Trees and went to the Elmcroft assisted living facility in Halls and volunteered the last couple of weeks.
Halls football team members also opened car doors at elementary schools several times.
“We also worked with Beaver Dam Church for their clothing drive,” noted Jackson.
Meanwhile, the Hawkettes, who make up Hardin Valley Academy’s dance team, hosted their fifth annual dance clinic Saturday, Dec. 14, and then danced with 25 amazing Jr. Hawkettes on the following Monday at halftime of the HVA girls’ and boys’ basketball games against Heritage.
“This is an annual Christmas dance,” said Meshon Crateau, “where the dancers teach a special routine and perform during both halftimes. It is to build community love for Hawk Nation.”
The HVA dance team hosts a clinic every December that’s open to feeder elementary schools.
Crateau’s dance team also continued its holiday tradition of purchasing blanket kits and making blankets and delivering them to Children’s Hospital before Christmas.
Earlier this month, Karns football players Jacob Kirkland, Keyshawn Billingsley, Austin Bailey, Zach Fisher, Michael Elliott, Jonathan Fellhoelter, Tyson Taylor and ball boy Will Taylor participated in Faith Promise and Boys and Girls Clubs’ “All is Bright,” a gift and food distribution for elementary and middle school age boys and girls and their families, reported Brad Taylor, the Beavers’ head coach.
The Beavers’ four hours of community service had to be a big help at the event on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coming up today (Monday, Dec. 23), the Grace Christian Academy girls’ basketball team will be handing out toys at Children’s Hospital. Hopefully, The Focus will have more on that event in its Dec. 30 issue.
