[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 6, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2285-S2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE SALEM HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING TEAM

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Salem High 
School's cheerleading team as April's Granite Staters of the Month for 
coming together, even while social distancing, to help raise the 
spirits of residents at a local nursing home.
  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Salem's cheerleading team was unable to 
compete at their New England conference meet, a moment that the 
athletes had worked hard for all season. In an effort to cheer up her 
teammates, as well as bring joy to residents at their local nursing 
home, Gabrielle Driggers, a sophomore on the team, suggested throwing a 
parade for the residents, which included Gabrielle's grandmother.
  Gabrielle, who has led previous efforts to support her local 
community by organizing donation drives and fundraisers with the help 
of her teammates, texted the team's group chat to see if anyone would 
be willing to participate in a parade for residents at

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Salemhaven Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A few days later, 
between 25 to 30 members of the cheerleading team gathered in the Salem 
High School parking lot, pom-poms in hand, to greet their fellow 
teammates from the safety of their cars and prepare for the procession 
to the nursing home.
  The parade, which was carefully planned to ensure that all of the 
athletes were at least 6 feet away from one another and the residents, 
consisted of a line of cars where cheerleaders, one to a car, waved 
their pom-poms and blasted music to the delight of the residents.
  I commend the members of the Salem High School cheerleading team for 
recognizing the importance of ensuring that those who are the most 
vulnerable to the virus feel supported and seen during this public 
health emergency. This is a difficult time for all Americans, which is 
why this straightforward act of kindness and recognition of community 
resonates with Granite Staters and all Americans and reflects the very 
best of our State.

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