This year, the Austin High cheer team turned over a new leaf, welcoming Ms. Ghanda Morad, a first-year teacher at Austin High, as their new coach.

Promoting school spirit all year long, the Austin High cheer team’s iconic dances and remarkable tumbling skills on the floor have become a staple for Austin High. Wearing a noticeable white and maroon uniform paired with a matching bow, the cheerleaders’ style is specifically commemorative of Austin High’s pride. Now, with the influence of a new coach, changes have been made to the typical cheerleading routine. Whether it comes to choreography or even team events, potential changes in dances and cheers have become an exciting opportunity for the cheerleaders to expand their skills and performances as a team.

“I like Ms. Morad a lot. She’s really nice, and she puts a lot of effort into the team. I think because of how much she’s learned so far, she will be able to structure and organize the team in ways better than we have in the past,” says 12th-grade cheerleading team captain Bess Van Skye. Bess shares her personal experience so far on the cheerleading team with Ms. Morad, highlighting what the new coach has brought to the team, and what the cheerleader thinks will come in the future.
From the cheerleader’s view, Ms.Morad has been able to build a strong connection with the team in just a few months of being their coach, and Bess’s input gives us a closer insight into how this change will impact the cheerleading team for the better.

Ms. Morad herself shares what she loves about the Austin High cheer team so far, stating, “The thing that I learned and now really love about cheer is the importance of every single person. Everybody is a foundation in cheer, and if one person is missing, the whole team can collapse. If you are a part of a cheer team, you have to literally lift each other, physically and emotionally. I think it’s really beautiful.”  She expresses appreciation for the cheerleading teams’ teamwork and supportive bonding with one another.

With her shown companionship and passion for school spirit, Ms. Morad has already left a promising impression on students, fitting right into the Austin High atmosphere. But Ms. Morad is not only a leader for the cheerleading team, but also for every student.

“The idea of being a teacher and influencing young people has always sounded great for me; it was right up my alley. When I met Dr. Bedford at a teacher career fair, he told me about the diversity of Austin High not only in population, but in the activities. I thought it was really interesting, and I loved the structure of Austin High.” Ms. Morad says, going into depth about her own personal story of what inspired her to become an educator. Ms. Morad then adds, “When it came to adolescent development, I had a hard time in high school with certain things. Being a teenager was hard, and having an overwhelming schedule requires a teacher who is emotionally supportive and organized.” Ms. Morad recalls her struggles in high school, mentioning values that she wished she had known during her time. Ms. Morad then says, “The best way for things to get better is to put yourself in a community that lifts you. Social-emotional support is super important, and you might be surprised how many teachers leave their doors open to offer you support.” Ms. Morad makes it clear that she, as well as other teachers, provides support that is available to all, regardless of being on the cheer team or not.

While change can be intimidating, it is also imperative for growth and improvement.

Ms. Morad’s new role as the cheerleading team’s coach has established a bond shaped by teamwork and support, helping the team quickly develop a sense of companionship and dedication under new leadership.