If you've ever been to a North Forsyth High School football game, you may have noticed some extra special ladies cheering on the home team. They are the CHEER squad - which stands for Cheers of Hope for Each and Every Raider.
By day, the four girls of the CHEER squad attend Kelly Fields' special needs classes at North Forsyth High School, but under the Friday night lights, Fields isn't their teacher, she's their coach. During football season, they're part of the varsity cheer squad.
"I think the community is completely embracing these kids and really celebrating that they're out there being able to do something that in most situations in high schools locally, don't have the opportunity to do," said Fields.
The girls are no different from any other cheerleader. They wear the same uniforms, participate in pep rallies and ride on the same float in the homecoming parade. Other members of the varsity squad serve as their buddies and teach them cheers.
"It just changes how I see them at school. When most people don't really notice them, well, I see them all the time. They're just like my friends at school," said senior buddy Hannah Lowe.
"I love to cheer for all the fans, for my family, my mom and my sister," said CHEER squad member Skylar Corliss.
"She's always been pretty outgoing. But she's outgoing, she feels like she's made a lot of new friends. She passes folks in the hall who know her and saw her on Friday night cheering," said Skylar's mom, Mellissa Corliss.
"These kids probably wouldn't be as much a part of our school culture, if you will, here at North, it wasn't for this program. They're just like every other kid. They all want to be cheerleaders. They all want to be a part of something. And this gives them the opportunity to be a part of something," said Fields.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:03:48 GMT
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes)
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes) Good Day's Karen Graham and 94.9 The Bull's Kristen Gates think they know... and they walked you through it on Thursday morning!
High 5 Sports 1551 Briarcliff Road NE Atlanta, GA 30306
