In the dynamic arena of cheerleading, there are truly no bounds. Beyond the traditional pompoms and chants, it’s a celebration of spirit that knows no limits. Whether it’s supporting a sports team, boosting a friend’s morale, or spreading positivity, the role of a cheerleader is diverse and boundless. However, cheerleading should be inclusive because everyone deserves the opportunity to show their support for their side. The right to cheer should know no limits. And nobody knows this better than Powell’s Peps.

Powell’s Peps is an inclusive group that invites differently-abled individuals to join in with cheering. Every third quarter, the group cheers side-by-side as one and the same as the Panthers’ cheerleaders.

What Powell’s Pep’s Stands For

Over time, Powell’s Peps has become an opportunity for differently-abled kids to express themselves. These individuals now have a feeling of community and cheer, where they can build bonds and feel like they belong. “It’s an opportunity for those 12 minutes that third quarter here at Powell for those students to be more than a face that gets past in the hallways.” said cheer Coach Devin Cupp.

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Cupp is strongly against pitying differently-abled individuals or seeing them as charity cases. He sees the Peps as an opportunity for kids to truly participate in an athletic event with their peers. For him, this is a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. In fact, according to some Peps parents, their children are now being recognized by the general public as they travel across the country to cheer the Panthers on.

The idea of these low-verbal kids being better assimilated into society through the scope of cheerleading is heartwarming. Through the Peps, people are now learning how to close the social gap and interact with such children more comprehensively.

A Chance for Something Bigger

Rylee Clark, a Pep cheerleader, says, “It feels special to me and I feel happy when I get to be included because not everybody else gets there. “After over a decade of perseverance, the peps are now accepted way beyond their 12-minute performances in the third quarter. They have received a chance to feel appreciated for their contributions to their community.

According to David Cupp, the ultimate goal is to continue to spread the spirit of inclusivity. Cupp wants this spirit to seep in, not just through the walls of the school, but through the hearts of the people. Powell’s Peps has created a safer space for these kids to grow than ever before. That’s the legacy this team will leave behind.

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