The end of an era...

If you've been following us for a while, you know our daughter Rhiannon is cheerleader. I'm not talking "rah rah", "yay team," I'll turn a cartwheel and be done, but a full out, intense, watch me throw a back handspring and a tuck on the middle school gym floor and then lift a 90 pound girl over my head in a two man (or in this case - two girl) stunt. She loves it. It's the only sport she's every truly dedicated herself to and for the last five years we've documented her squads' seasons. You can check out the previous edits here.

For the last three years she's been coached by Terri McGruder a teacher at Surfside Middle School. McGruder is something of a legend around these parts with over 30 years of cheer coaching experience. She's turned out great athletes for years, but more importantly, she turns out wonderful young women. She expects her cheerleaders to be great students, athletes, and leaders in their school, but beyond that, she expects them to be good people.  For us, that's the key, and we're grateful our 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. This, however, was Rhiannon's last year cheering under Coach McGruder and that's where the title of this post comes from because for our family, it's the end of an era. We really can't express our gratefulness to Terri.  For Rhiannon's three years at Surfside we felt like she had a parent at school with her helping her navigate the insanity which is middle school. And anyone who knows Terri personally, knows that this "parent" isn't a pushover! Thank you Terri for helping us raise our daughter. She is a better athlete and student because of her desire to be on your squad, but she is a better person because of your involvement in her life.

To the four 8th graders moving onto Arnold High School next year, we wish you the best and hope to see you on the sidelines cheering for the Marlins. For the 6th and 7th graders moving up, remember you are McGruders legacy. Keep the standards up, keep your grades up, keep your cheer skills up, but most importantly be good people we can all continue to be proud of.