Dawn Norkewicz I was fortunate enough to have amazingly energetic, dedicated and most important-caring advisors when I was a cheerleader and mascot at Oxnard High School and Ventura College. They both helped me to discover a spark in myself that I didn’t know existed! They became my “cheer heroes” because they assisted me through some difficult teenager years. When I started coaching I used them as my example of how I should coach and I told myself it was my duty to not only coach this cheer team, but to try to make a difference in their lives-to let them know I cared. I believe it takes special people to work with teenagers-they need positive role models that will understand they need someone to encourage them beyond the 3:00-5:00PM practice time. It is a privilege to be working a job I love so much! I was hired to coach the cheerleaders and mascots at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, CA on May 1, 1991 -I still remember the excitement of that day! I have to admit that I still have panic attacks before competitions, so if my team votes to not compete that year-I’m not too sad. But I am proud of the fact that our mascots have won USA Nationals three times. One of my favorite things to do with this team is having them volunteer to help with the youth teams in our area-watching my girls teach and inspire younger girls is a meaningful experience. I still get excited when one of my teams learns a new stunt, or works their showmanship, or sticks their half-time. And to see old “girls” of mine graduate from college, get married or have children makes this an incredibly rewarding job! In 1997 I created the Creative Dance Class at SBHS. I have been so blessed to see that one class grow to four and our annual recital is a big hit with the students and staff. This semester I have 106 students, 49 of them are boys, and with a school enrollment of approx. 710, I am quite proud of the turnout. Being able to give “non-dancers” a chance to experience what I believe is so fun is very enjoyable! It was quite an honor to return to VC to coach that program from 1998-2005. It was with mixed emotions that I left that position-but coaching two schools became so time consuming that my job as “Cool Aunt Dawn” was being affected, and I didn’t want to miss one more event that my family was involved in. What made the decision easier, I was leaving the program in the hands of Kristen Wreesman. I had coached her at SBHS and at VC-passing the torch to one of MY girls was so rewarding! And what a perfect going-away gift-my last team at VC won the first national title for the school. I love seeing our USA National Banner hanging in the gym at VC. In 2000 I started the SBHS Dance Team to allow more students the opportunity to perform at school functions. The light schedule allows them to participate in other year-around athletic teams. This past year with 36 members was the most exciting team ever to watch. This June I will celebrate 20 summers as an instructor for the United Spirit Association (numerous heroes found here)! I get paid to have entirely too much fun as the Mascot Staff Coordinator! I feel confident in the fact that we produce amazing mascot camps with original, fun choreography and new crowd-getter ideas. Through the connections made with this family I believe it has helped me to grow as a coach and as a mentor. I am so proud that four of my old “girls” are now coaching their own programs. And I am very lucky that in addition to their own programs, two of them continue to assist me at SBHS. Thank you Kristen and Danielle (my new heroes), for making it possible for me to continue to improve as a coach, have friendships that are priceless, and to laugh like crazy!!!! |
