Jennifer Laero

Extracurricular activities such as sports and music are worth more than the mere particulars of a given activity. Within these exiting programs youth gain essential life skills and hone their character. These practices cultivate in them such admirable qualities as diligence, perseverance, mental focus, and even humility. Such labors rarely go unrewarded. Those that work the hardest, last the longest, and overcome the most are often singly and publicly praised for their efforts and performance.

Jennifer Laero, a Kiski Area High School junior, can attest to that. Last month Jen participated in the pre game and halftime show as a cheerleader in the 2005 College Football National Championship FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida as one of about 400 girls from across the country. Jen explained that it's been many long and rigorous years of hard work and sweat to get her there. Countless hurdles and endless practicing led up to this moment for Jen. She's been dancing since age four and cheering since age five. She started high school on the Junior Varsity Squad, and for the last two years has been co-captain of the Varsity Squad.

During last summer's Kiski Area cheerleading camp, instructors from the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) nominated 25 for competition tryouts, and of those, only five scored high enough to be invited to Miami. Jen's Varsity Cheerleading Coach, Jennifer Marinelli, encouraged her to go.

In order to participate in this exciting honor for her talent and hard work, Jen had to raise several thousand dollars for trip expenses. While it loomed as a daunting task, Jen was not swayed in her determination to make the most of this opportunity and credits her parents and her church for their unwavering support, and some very kind local businesses, in helping her realize this destination. She said, "They encouraged me even when I didn't think it was possible; they helped me get the money and supported me through the whole thing."

Performing in the FedEx Orange Bowl was a grueling five-day journey involving countless hours of practices starting at 8 am and often going till 11 pm. The highlight of her trip was the opportunity to work with so many talented amateur and professional performers from across the country.

Jennifer would like to express her gratitude to the following businesses and individuals for helping fund her trip:

Amslers Automotive Inc. Hairworks Salon AJ’s Restaurant Dr. Alec Cirigliano Curves of Allegheny Twp Leeway Rent-A-Car Tees N Tops Moran Transportation, Shirley Moran Mary Jo Riddle State Farm Insurance The people of Grace Community Cathedral Church and M J Mosley

To watch the video go to http://www.allekiskitoday.com/webcasts/1236