Marysville-Pilchuck cheerleaders trying to pay own way

Published 10:17 pm Thursday, May 14, 2009

MARYSVILLE — The cheerleaders at Marysville-Pilchuck High School are collecting donations to help pay for new uniforms and cheer camp.

Because of budget cuts, the school’s Associated Student Body fund isn’t paying as much as it used to for offsetting costs for cheerleaders, said Brenda Vieweg, whose daughter Kimberly is on the squad.

Last year, cheerleaders had to pay $850 to go to a weeklong camp in Ellensburg, buy a new uniform and cover fees. Next year, cheerleaders must pay $1,325, Vieweg said.

Many parents were upset when they learned they’d have to pay more for their daughters to attend camp, and they discussed an appeal of the decision and trying to get more money.

“What are we going to teach our girls if we get mad and shout at government?” Vieweg asked. “We can have government take care of us or we can think of a way to fix it on our own.”

The parents decided to try to raise $18,000 to cover the cheerleaders’ cost.

G.A. Maxwell’s Restaurant in Marysville is helping by offering an $8.95 spaghetti special, with a portion of the proceeds going to the squad. The special includes spaghetti, salad and garlic bread and is scheduled to be offered from Sunday through May 23. The restaurant is at 1204 Third St.

The cheerleaders purchase new uniforms every year because they need a snug fit for performing stunts, Vieweg said.

Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292, kmanry@heraldnet.com.