Take a bow...

{That's take a bow, as in bending at the waist and acknowledging the applause and adoration your are receiving, as opposed to the ribbon variety.}

Rob and I have a 13 year old daughter who decided many years ago that the only sport she was going to be serious about was cheerleading. Last night I found myself sitting at another end of year banquet with a large group of middle school cheerleaders and their parents. Fourteen of the girls on Rhiannon's current squad are moving up to Arnold High School next year. They are an incredibly diverse group, talented, funny, and smart. Most of them have been cheering together in rec leagues and on competitive teams since they were big enough to shake a pom pom. They helped me choose the music for this these videos, took the time to do surprise interviews for their coach (which were wonderfully articulate and thoughtful for 14-year old girls), and many sought me out to say "thank you" last night when they saw the finished edits. I'm impressed by this group all over again, and much of their composure and thoughtfulness comes from great parenting, but I also know that some if it comes from their coach who we all call "McGruder." Terri McGruder expects her cheerleaders to be great students, athletes, and leaders in their school, but beyond that, she expects them to be good people.  For me, that's the key, and I'm grateful my daughter has chosen a sport (and yes, it most definitely IS a sport) where the coach is willing to expect every bit as much out of her as a human being as she does as an athlete. Terri brought tears to my eyes last night as she talked about this team. She said "In 38 years of coaching, this is the most talented group of girls I've ever coached." She went on to say it broke her heart when they voted not field a competitive team this year and added that she hoped they decided to find the passion for competition again next year when they reached Arnold.

Diva Productions has been a proud sponsor of the Surfside Sharks all season and we've been pleased to document their antics at games, cheer camps, and exhibitions. We wish all the graduating eighth graders the absolute best and want you to know we can't wait to see what you do at Arnold High School and beyond.

{If you don't know our daughter Rhiannon, you can spot her in the walking cast on the bleachers. Did I mention cheerleading is a SPORT ;) We've had three broken bones over the years to prove it!}



{We also took a LOT of pictures this year, so this slideshow was part of the presentation last night.}