[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING UPPER DARBY HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 3, 2013

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Upper Darby High School, the winner of Varsity Brands' National School 
Spirit Day. National School Spirit Day is an annual celebration 
throughout the month of October to recognize the impact that 
cheerleaders and dancers have in their local communities--as mentors, 
community service leaders, spirit raisers, and positive examples to 
all.
  In 2009, Varsity Brands began National School Spirit Day as a way to 
spotlight the efforts of cheerleaders and dancers throughout the 
country who make a difference in their schools and communities. Over 
the past five years, cheerleaders and dancers have pledged more than 
500,000 community service hours as part of National School Spirit Day.
  This year, the Upper Darby High School Royals were selected as the 
national team winner of the 2013 National School Spirit Day. The Upper 
Darby Cheerleaders collected hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, gift 
cards, and other warm clothing items for women and children of domestic 
violence and abuse throughout the month of October. By the end of the 
month, the cheer squad was able to turn over thousands of items in 
support of victims of domestic abuse.
  In conjunction with National School Spirit Day on October 11, 2013, 
Varsity Brands also launched Cheer for a Healthier America. This 
program aims to enlist high school student cheerleaders, dancers, and 
athletes as student ambassadors of their communities by getting local 
elementary school kids more involved in physical activities, and teach 
them about making healthy lifestyle choices. Just this summer, at over 
1,000 Varsity camps across America, over 400,000 enrolled campers 
learned about the program and are preparing to initiate it this Fall, 
while students from over 800 schools have signed up to participate.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing 
Upper Darby High School and commending the work done by youth across 
the country.

                          ____________________