One of the most popular activities in American sports is cheerleading. It is a competitive and demanding sport. So many girls grow up wanting to be part of the cheer squad.
When Sarah Cronk became a varsity cheerleader in 2008 she wanted to do something to help other girls become more involved in cheerleading. Sarah’s older brother is autistic. She realized early on that her brother struggled to fit in. Sarah thought that cheerleading could help others, like her brother, find a place to belong in high school.
Sarah started with 12 girls, some with disabilities and some without. The inclusive cheer squad was simply known as “The Sparkles.” They practiced and practiced over the summer and the next football season, The Sparkles took the field with their first routine. There was such great joy that night. The whole stadium was proud of The Sparkles.
That successful night only encourage Sara Cronk to continue to dream. She wanted to help more students find a place to belong. Today, 8 years later, Sarah runs “The Sparkle Effect,” a nonprofit group that seeks to involve students with and without disabilities. They help schools to create an environment where all students are included.
The Sparkle Effect currently supports 180 cheer teams in 29 states. Over 3,600 high school students are involved with the work of The Sparkle Effect. This amazing work began because a young lady wondered how she could help others connect. She wanted to create a safe and positive environment for all students. It was a great act of compassion and kindness that continues to bless lives across our country.
Sarah Cronk changed the game. Her intentional act of inclusion helped bless the lives of several students while creating a school where respect for all was valued. Sarah is a reminder that we all can be game changers. When we are intentionally kind, respect others, and seek to include those who are left out, we too can have a positive impact on the world around us.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
