A little local Cheerleader news

In local news this week, well ok back in November, a group of North Delta Cheerleaders decided to prounce (Is that a word) through the Football field pretty much naked. Wearing nothing but tight bootie shorts or thongs, pieces of tape and paint, these High School seniors gave spectators more than they expected.

Ted Johnson, in his first year as principal at South Delta Secondary, said he was unaware the students planned to bare almost all at the home game. Johnson said he was “very disappointed” upon hearing about the girls’ behaviour, and talked to the seniors about how the “seemingly innocent prank” impacts the school and staff. “From the school’s perspective we’re trying to take an educational route,” said Johnson.

He said the girls talked of the pressure to uphold a school tradition at the Sun Devils’ final home game, although he did not know when the last such nearly nude performance had taken place. The students were warned that such actions, especially by members of the graduating class, could result in fewer teachers willing to sponsor graduation events such as the upcoming Christmas dance. Teachers should be able to attend school-sanctioned events like football games without being made to feel embarrassed, said Johnson. “It was an awkward, uncomfortable place to be for teachers.”

Delta’s assistant superintendent Dianne Turner was watching the football game with her husband and saw the halftime show. She said she was shocked, but added, “I’ve been in high school as an administrator for many years, and teenagers do make mistakes, and you work with them.” Turner said she and Johnson talked to the girls about finding ways to bring pride to the community. “We sent them away to think about what kind of event they might create,” she said, such as a greatly choreographed dance routine.

Johnson wanted to clarify that the cheerleaders were not a sanctioned school group sponsored by a teacher. However, he said he impressed upon them they are representatives of the school to other school communities. “And for the visiting team, it’s not something that is, ‘Wow, this is great.’ There’s an element of intimidation,” said Johnson.

The Sun Devils did win amidst the controversy, 20-14 over the Panthers. The squad competes in district playoffs this weekend.