West High Cheerleaders Inspire Hope and Unity at Lupus Walk

The West High cheerleaders have kicked off the school year with a public-spirited cheer, participating in the Walk to End Lupus Now, hosted by the Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Region, which took place at Creve Coeur Park on Saturday, September 6. The purpose of the Walk to End Lupus Now is to raise awareness and funds for lupus research, support programs, and advocacy efforts.

“The Lupus Walk stemmed from my mom having Lupus and our head coach’s mom battling with Lupus. For me and the team as a whole, I feel like the lupus walk was a learning experience and a bonding experience for us all,” West High cheerleading team captain and senior Kaylynn Ellis explained. “We met multiple people who struggled with Lupus and their supporters, their friends, and their family, who all thanked us tremendously for coming out to support them.” Kaylynn added, “I learned a lot about what Lupus is and how people struggle with it. I was able to look at it from a more understanding point of view because I have people who also struggle with autoimmune diseases.” 

“Being at the Lupus Walk made me feel a lot of different emotions in different ways,” said West High cheerleading team captain and senior Nevaeh Bennett. “When we talked to certain people who had battles with Lupus, I felt like they were grateful that we were there to show support and cheer them on. It felt good to support the community in this way.” 

With approximately 24 girls on West High’s cheerleading team, spanning from varsity to junior varsity and including freshmen to seniors, many have forged strong bonds throughout their time in middle school and high school. The West High cheer team embodies a powerful spirit, cultivating a positive team culture through unwavering dedication, deep friendships, and a commitment to service. 

The Hazelwood School District takes great pride in the West High cheerleaders and eagerly anticipates their purposeful pom poms championing meaningful causes.