Kori Johnson I took over the cheer program at Costa Mesa High School in June of 2007 after meeting a parent of a cheerleader and hearing about the lack of direction and even the possibility of the program dissolving at the school. I felt that I could turn this program in a new direction and make it a program that the school and community could be proud of. I am a former cheerleader and alumni of the school and it is where my 2 children will attend so I have a very invested interest in improving the program and school. Immediately after taking over the program I had the girls get involved in community events over the summer to help broaden their interests and to bring the squad out into the communities eye. They performed at Relay for life, the Orange County Fair, and were asked to lead the pledge of Allegiance at a city council meeting. They also were involved in leading the cities 4th of July parade and helped at a community luau. These events helped the squad grow closer and were only the beginning of how greatly they could be community leaders as well as school leaders. Once school and their season began, the squad was completely transformed. At summer camp they received all superior ribbons, invited to attend the pro-bowl in Hawaii, girls making the All-Star team and even 3 seniors asked to try-out for USA instructors. Several teachers and administrators commented how great the girls were this year and were amazed at how quickly the program and level had increased. I had the girls cheer at all sports not just football and basketball and they all loved how they were there to support the school and all of its athletic teams not just the high profile ones. The girl’s excitement level rose and they were determined to master new- harder stunts and were very successful in their endeavors. The girls realize how important image in the community is and how they need to shine and be leaders. Community service still was very important to them even with practice and 3-4 games a week to cheer at. We held a junior cheer clinic, cheered at Race for The Cure, CHOC Walk, Susan G. Komen turning the Honda Center Pink, Donated toys to the boys and Girls club at Christmas and brought pumpkins and candy for the School For the Blind at Halloween, they were also were chosen as a top high school to be in a charity fashion show. When Southern California was hit by wildfires last year, we immediately partnered with city council to collect donations for the victims. The team collected over 5 truckloads of items like blankets, toiletries, food, toys and new clothes. The girls had done over 600 hours of community service as a team just in 6 months. The best part of having the girls do community service is they actually love it and bring new ideas to me for the team to participate in. They also have commented to me that it’s the best part of cheer because its about helping others and giving back and the focus is taken off of them. ( I do believe they actually understand!) Our squad has received numerous honors and awards because of our community service and outstanding program: The Presidential Volunteer Service Award, The Newport-Mesa Unified School District Outstanding Program Award, The Costa Mesa City Council Volunteer Recognition Award, Certificate of Outstanding Program from California State Assemblyman Van Tran. We also were a top 10 finalist in the American School Spirit Awards and a Judge’s Favorite. We were chosen as the featured squad for varsity.com for the month of December. I also received the Leadership Tomorrow “Outstanding Community Leader” nomination for my work with the squad. I make sure the girls also keep their grades as a priority- the squad has a collective GPA of 3.33. I am so amazed and impressed with how quickly a failing program can be turned around and truly be a program not only the school but that the community can be proud of. My goals were very high and very concise for the team and they embraced me and my ideas and lived up to these high standards. They are leaders in their school and looked up to for more than just their cheerleading skills. It makes me proud when I hear fellow students not only commenting on how awesome that last stunt was but also hearing about them brag about what the cheerleaders are doing in the community. Next year we will continue the community service and leadership and also embark on the world of competing, which I know the girls will work hard to be successful at. My ideas for the squad are simple—be leaders. Lead your school in spirit –help lead all of the sport teams to victory and lead the community. Be role models and represent the High School to the best ability and set your goals high to be the best at whatever you do. I was a cheerleader for 8 years, and did gymnastics for 14 years. I Graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BA in Speech Communications in 1995. Worked as a District Sales Manager for 8 years..I have been married for 10 years and have 2 wonderful children ages 7 and 4. I serve on the PTA board, School Site Council, AYSO Board, MOMS Club and the Youth Sports Council of Costa Mesa (an organization to help improve the quality of youth sports in our city – High School and below) and am very active in our community. I hope that I set a good example for the girls I am coaching and that they will continue being leaders in whatever their futures hold. |
