Holiday Helpers making season merrier again

By Steve Williams

The Knoxville Focus received some good reports on “Holiday Helpers” again this year and would like to recognize these high school student-athletes for making the season merrier!

Thanks to the cheerleaders and coaches from Central and Powell high schools. And we also salute the Bearden High softball team and its coach.

Our recognition starts with a quote from Ella Grossman, senior/captain of the Central cheerleaders:

“Giving this time of the year is so important because it is a time that should be enjoyed by everyone. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends. Giving back at this time of the year gives more people the opportunity to embrace and enjoy this season!”

CHS Cheer Coach Kara Clark Cardwell reported: “The Central High School Cheerleaders have been extremely active in the community this holiday season! We just recently volunteered with Fantasy of Trees supporting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and we rang bells for the Salvation Army.

“We are always thrilled to serve our community, especially this time of year.”

At Powell, Cheerleader Coach Emily Lanius reports: “The Powell High School cheerleaders volunteered at Fantasy of Trees on Sunday, Nov. 26. Some girls worked at the sand art booth and the others worked at the wooden ornament booth. “The girls also decorated trees and donated them to Children’s Hospital through the Tiny Trees event. This event is designed to make sure each patient at Children’s Hospital has a Christmas tree in their room for Christmas.”

Last but not least, Bearden Coach Kenneth Boles and his softball team were scheduled to participate in Wreaths Across America in Knoxville this past Saturday.

Said Coach Boles: “Bearden High School Softball program will be helping with this program to honor our heroes that have made the greatest sacrifice.”

The Focus hopes to receive pictures from the Bearden team’s efforts and share them with our readers in the Dec. 26 issue, along with more information and pictures of “Holiday Helpers.”