Meet Melissa – a 3rd grader who has been attending the 9th Street Boys & Girls Club for two years. Since becoming a Club Kid, Melissa has always had good behavior and has participated in group activities; however, she was often shy and would not get involved in activities that required public speaking or attention.
Last year, the 9th Street Club started a cheerleading squad for our 1st-6th grade Club Members. Melissa signed up for the squad and excelled in all aspects of the program and she was so excited to sign up again this year. Since joining the squad the staff has noticed that Melissa has made great strides in overcoming her shyness. She will now perform her cheers and dances in front of large crowds and feels confident and proud. Although she is one of the youngest members of the squad, Melissa is definitely one of the loudest! In addition to her new cheerleading skills, Melissa has become more willing to participate in activities that involve public speaking and is more expressive around the Club.
Melissa’s mother is very grateful to the Club, cheer coaches, and Melissa’s fellow Club Members; she feels the squad has been a great confidence builder for her daughter and she also appreciates the “tremendous amount of exercise” Melissa receives since she practices three or more times per week.
Melissa is one of our Club Members who will be participating in our Week of Good Deeds during National Boys & Girls Club Week on March 22-28th. On Monday, March 23rd Melissa will be performing with her cheer squad at Berkshire Health & Rehabilitation Center and Friendship Retirement Community – another opportunity for Melissa to boost her confidence and show what she has learned at the Club all while giving back to the community!