Hello, 

My name is Madeline Saphire and I am one of the Varsity Cheer captains at the Delphian School in Sheridan, Oregon. I am also the Middle School Cheer coach which is a new program at the school that was started this past year.

Unfortunately the school has decided to end the Cheer program after 10 years due to multiple reasons; spacing, resources, money, etc.

For some background, the Cheer program is an integral part of the student culture at Delphian and has been since 2014. We have won many competitions and have won States multiple times in our division. Over the years more than 100 students have been on the Cheer team. In addition to being state champions, we have been honored at a Portland Trail Blazers half-time and have been supporting the Upper School, and now Middle School, Boys Basketball Team at their home games for many years now. 

We started in 2014 with a team of 8 girls and have grown as a program with teams of up to over 20 girls. We have created relationships with other schools and programs as well. The discontinuation of the Cheer program would have extreme negative effects on the student body at Delphian.

Cheer is a big part of my life and through the hard work I have put into the program, I have grown as a person tremendously. I have become a better leader, communicator, teammate and friend. I have become more self-disciplined, resilient, and overall a more positive, motivated person. Through Cheer I have created lifelong friendships as we work together towards a common goal. Over the past three years I, along with the other girls on the team, have pushed ourselves mentally and physically to be the best we can be. I have a genuine love for this sport and I cannot articulate into words how much this sport has changed me as a person.

Cheer has had an immeasurable positive influence on my life, and I am forever grateful for the experiences and lessons it has given me. It would be a mistake to deprive others of the experience of being on the Cheer team.

Rachel Karl is the current Cheer coach at Delphian. She puts an huge amount of love and care into the success of the team. Last year Rachel and I fought to continue the Cheer program which was being reviewed for safety concerns. After last year's successful season, the school has decided to end the Cheer program completely. Another factor is that the school is prioritizing the growth of the new Girls Varsity Basketball team over the continuation of the Cheer team. 

Please sign this petition to show your support for the continuation of the Cheer program at Delphian. If you have a message about how the Delphian Cheer Program has positively impacted you or you are interested in helping us to continue the Cheer program please reach out to me through Instagram.

-Madeline