Posted 5/2/01 Another view of the cheerleader issue To the editor: Iím writing in response to Richard Carlbomís letter (April 24) regarding ěConstructive Criticism on Cheerleading.î As a 1991 graduate of North Branch High School and a cheerleader for three years, I wanted to respond to some of the items brought up in the aforementioned letter. When I started the cheerleading program at North Branch High School in 1987, cheerleading was not a very popular ěsport.î Marcia Schindler was our coach and she came to us with years of experience in cheerleading, not only on the high school level, but also as a college cheerleader. Marcia was a great coach, she had us involved in not only cheering at our schoolís games, but also competing in competitions in the metro area and attending summer cheerleading camps. By the time I graduated from NBHS, we had a large interest in our sport from not only the females of the student body but also the males. By being involved in the cheerleading program, I not only gained confidence but also learned a great deal about teamwork, all thanks to Marcia. Mr. Carlbom pointed out in his letter that the program exhibited a lack of integrity. Although I have been out of the program for many years, I also noticed that the cheerleaders donít seem to be as ětogetherî as they could be, however, letís keep in mind that the cheerleaders are only as strong as their program. I donít know how much support the cheerleading program is receiving from NBHS officials today, but we didnít receive too much support from them in the past. We were wearing uniforms that other cheerleaders before us had worn in the 1970s, and if we decided that we wanted to have new shirts, jackets or sweatshirts to wear for our uniforms, we were expected to pay for these ourselves. We were always amazed at how the other sports received new uniforms once in a while, however, we were expected to just deal with what we had for uniforms already. I think Beth Privratsky is right, where would our school spirit come from without the cheerleaders? Iím glad that the school board decided to keep the cheerleading program, however, I hope more attention and support can be directed toward the program. I am also very happy to see that they are starting a dance team, I think the more activities kids can be involved in, the better Paula Reed-Johnson ©Post Review