The Original Spirit Leaders

THREE ALL-AMERICANS HONOR THEIR VETERANS

Cheerleaders and dancers have the year-round opportunity to celebrate and lead spirit at their schools, but this weekend, the 2021 All-Americans have the incredible honor of bringing that spirit to the 80^th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. For three of our cheerleaders/dancers, the story and the meaning behind the Pearl Harbor Parade is not a new one, but rather one that is close to their families.

Meet Eden Judd, a Dancer from Indiana and granddaughter of WWII veteran Herman Judd. Herman was stationed at Pearl Harbor after the attack and was on the USS Bonhomme Richard when the Japanese surrendered. This surrender marked the end of WWII. “Yesterday, I stood where the surrender agreement was signed, which likely saved my grandfather’s life.”

Herman fearlessly followed the call of duty to serve his country and later retired as a US Marine. While his time in the service is over, he will be 96 next month and has now taken on a very important role of being a Dance Grandpa. Herman is Eden’s biggest supporter and can be seen cheering on his ‘dancing girl’. Herman and Eden have a very special relationship and even have a secret handshake between the two of them. “My grandpa has been my best friend my whole life.” – Eden, Connersville High School

Up next, meet Raina, a Senior Cheer Captain from Little Miami High School. Raina’s grandfather, Roger A. Barker served on the USS Indiana from 1942-1946 and was stationed with the US Navy in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Roger was a Yeoman aboard the ship during WWII. Sadly, Roger passed away in 2009 at the age of 90, but his memory lives on through his two-time All- American granddaughter.

“In addition to representing my school, I am honored to be apart of the memorial parade to honor my grandfather and the others who served during WWII. To pay tribute to the 80^th anniversary is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am thankful to be a part of it,” – Raina, Little Miami High School

And our third featured athlete, Kristen from Lexington Alabama, who is dedicating her trip to Hawaii and her performance in the parade to her great-grandfather Leonard. Leonard had just finished breakfast on the morning of December 7^th, 1941, when the first bombs were dropped signaling the beginning of WWII. Leonard jumped into action clearing the Pearl Harbor runways to allow for US pilots to leave the ground and has since told the story of the look in everyone’s eyes as the planes crashed into the harbor. During his time in the service, he dedicated 7 years to the Army and later joined the Secret Service before passing away at the age of 79.

My Great-Grandfather passed before I was born, but I have now had the amazing opportunity to visit the place where he fought for this country. It has been humbling and exciting to see where so many  sacrificed for our freedom 80 years ago. I am so thankful for this opportunity! It has made my senior year so awesome,” – Kristen, Lexington High School

Stories from families like these are what make our Varsity Spirit Special Events so unique. This event gives our nation’s spirit leaders the chance to share their stories, celebrate their accomplishments and lead others in honoring the lives lost during Pearl Harbor. Today, we celebrate the sacrifices made by our United States Veterans, the original Spirit Leaders.

Written by: Alexis Gass