Joey has faced numerous challenges throughout his student life, including bullying and other mental health struggles relating to things he has never been able to control. As a transfer student within Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), he was thrilled at the opportunity to try out for the cheerleading team at Potomac Falls High School (PFHS), where his father works. Despite abiding by all the necessary rules related to transfer students, Joey was suddenly deemed ineligible after trying out and paying the necessary fees.

Joey’s participation in cheerleading is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a critical part of his personal and emotional well-being, along with a key aspect of his future when seeking higher education. Being part of the cheer team represents a positive environment for him, something he desperately needs considering his previous experiences with bullying and the impact on his mental health. It’s not just about sports, but about community, camaraderie, and the mental health stability that PFHS can provide.

The rules regarding transfer students and athletics are important, but exceptions should be considered on a case-by-case basis especially when a student's mental health is at stake, and they have shown no intention of violating any rules for athletic advancement.

Join me in this important cause to urge LCPS to allow Joey to cheer this year at PFHS. Help us call on the administration to review Joey's case with fairness and empathy, making an exception when it truly matters. Sign this petition today to support Joey’s right to a fulfilling high school experience and to stand up for students who face similar challenges in our educational system.