Each spring, the Moore Pavillion fills with energy and music as local middle school students interested or involved in cheerleading gather for the annual Celebration of Spirit. Hosted by the NDB Spirit Team, the event invites students to spend a day learning how to cheer, practice routines and get the chance to perform along high school athletes that they look up to.
For many participants, it is more than just a performance. In the weeks leading up to the evening, middle school teams prepare routines that they will showcase during the event. When the day arrives, the gym becomes a stage where younger cheerleaders showcase their routines and skills, while observing new techniques from the older ones.
One of the most meaningful parts of the event is the bond between the high school and middle school cheerleaders. The experience is just as exciting for the hosts as it is for the participants, creating an inspired and supportive environment for everyone involved.
“The Celebration of Spirit event is such a unique event that NDB hosts every year,” said Pom Captain Brooke True. “I love getting to meet all the middle schoolers and watch their routines.”
“It’s a nice break for the NDB Spirit Team because, instead of being the ones competing, we get to watch hopefully future Tigers compete with each other. I also love performing for the middle schoolers because they each look up to us so much and it makes us feel so special,” she added.
This year’s celebration drew an impressive turnout with six middle schools along with their families and friends. They packed the bleachers on both sides of the Moore Pavillion. The judges and other spectators sat along the walls to watch the performances.
Each team took turns performing prepared routines. It was clear that they put in a great deal of effort and time practicing beforehand. The routines ran smoothly, and the energy throughout the gym remained high as they cheered for one another.
In between performances, the event also included a few small moments to bring everybody together. The Spirit Team performed short routines of their own, keeping the energy in the gym lively and giving the middle schoolers another chance to watch the high school cheerleaders in action.
At one point, the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Assistant Athletic Director Patsy Iannone ’78.
Events like the Celebration of Spirit help strengthen the connection between NDB and local middle schools. By welcoming younger cheerleaders onto campus, the Spirit Team shares its energy and leadership, while giving students a glimpse of what being part of the Tiger community can look like. It allows them to not only learn and see the powerful spirit of NDB, but experience the unique sisterhood for themselves.
For some of the young cheerleaders, this event may even be their first step toward one day returning to the same gym as future NDB Tigers.
