Sparkle Jacket
Cleves, September 2018 – In December of 2017, Three Rivers Local School District started a new program for the District called The Sparkle Effect. The Sparkle Effect is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that helps schools nationwide bring together students with and without disabilities to create new cheer teams. The Program’s mission was to create an environment of courage, compassion, and connection where all students can learn and grow together (https://www.thesparkleeffect.org/).
One of Three Rivers Local School District’s core values is to Nurture Inclusion and this Program does exactly that. With 20 team members already participating at Three Rivers, the athletes work together to cheer on the football and basketball teams and help everyone get into the school spirit at pep rallies, parades, and other events.
The team, named Sparkle Jacket, is led by Mrs. Lakamp, Mrs. Cederdahl, and Mrs. Ross, who are all teachers in the District. Coach Lakamp said, “It is great to see our students interacting in such an inclusive manner. They all genuinely love and respect one another.”
This year, the team received some incredible news. After applying for a very competitive grant from The Sparkle Effect and Varsity Spirit Fashion, Taylor High School was awarded $2,000 to put towards new uniforms! “The team has become an integral part of Taylor High School athletics and it is great to see them rewarded for their hard work,” said the District’s Athletic Director, Larry Herges.
