Crandall ISD's Pirate PRIDE Cheer Team: A Story of Inclusion, Community, and Pirate Spirit!

In Crandall ISD, a remarkable new tradition is emerging with the formation of the Pirate PRIDE Cheer Team, where PRIDE stands for Pirates. Respect. Inclusion. Disabilities. Everyone matters in CISD. This team, which celebrates students of all abilities, is breaking barriers and creating a community centered on inclusion and pride.

The journey began in March when Jeri Golden, a dedicated educator, envisioned a cheer team where students with disabilities could shine. Along with fellow sponsor Niki Plumer, they set out to form the Pirate PRIDE Cheer Team, giving these students a platform to cheer for their school and feel celebrated. With only enough funds to purchase uniforms for ten students, the team faced financial hurdles. However, the community's support quickly changed their trajectory.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), one of the largest fundraisers for Special Olympics Texas, awarded the Pirate PRIDE Cheer Team a $1,000 scholarship. This generous donation provided much-needed funding for team shirts and uniforms for new members.

On August 16th, one of the team's cheerleaders had the unique opportunity to attend the Breakfast of Champions hosted by the Dallas Sheriff's Office at the Flight Museum. The event brought together community leaders and law enforcement officers to support Special Olympics Texas athletes. For the young cheerleader, the day was a dream come true. She set out to meet every officer in the room and nearly succeeded, leaving with a heart full of joy and memories she'll cherish forever.

The Pirate PRIDE Cheer Team plans to begin performing at CMS football games soon. They will also proudly showcase their float at the Homecoming parade—a valid symbol of their hard-earned place in the school's athletic tradition.

The team's practices, held every Tuesday at Opal Smith Elementary, are filled with excitement and anticipation. But it's more than just cheer routines. For the students and their families, it's about inclusion and the realization that in Crandall ISD, everyone matters.

The cheer team debuted at the district's recent convocation, where their performance moved many parents to tears. For these families, seeing their children included in such a meaningful way was a deeply emotional and gratifying experience.

Thanks to the generosity of LETR, the Dallas Sheriff's Office, and officers like Officer Pagel of the Richardson PD and Officer Danny Plumer of the Dallas Sheriff's Office, the Pirate PRIDE Cheer Team is thriving. Their presence is more than just a cheer on the sidelines—it's a reminder that inclusion is powerful and every student deserves the chance to shine.