The Holy Name Catholic School Middle School Cheer Team, along with Coach Meaghan Jensen, on far right. In the photo, HNCS cheerleaders spell Y-A-C with their pom-poms in the HNCS School Gymnasium, as a gesture of gratitude toward the Youth Advisory Committee for the grant. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – Holy Name Catholic School is honored to have been selected by the Community Foundation for Delta County and its Youth Advisory Committee to receive a generous grant in support of the school’s “Three Cheers (Mats) for Holy Name” initiative.

This project will provide new safety mats for the Holy Name Catholic School cheer program, allowing students to practice and perform at a competitive level while meeting Michigan High School Athletic Association safety guidelines.

“When our cheer coach, Mrs. (Meaghan) Jensen, approached the administration at the start of the season, there was plenty of enthusiasm — but limited funds,” said Jane Arts, HNCS director of advancement. “The old wrestling mats had faithfully served their purpose, but it was time for an upgrade. These girls work so hard, and we can hear their energy and spirit echoing through the halls. Mrs. Jensen wanted to help them grow their skills safely, and that is when we reached out to the Community Foundation. The team over there has been incredibly supportive.”

Arts added, “As someone still fairly new to the Holy Name family, I continue to be inspired by how deeply this school is woven into the heart of our community. While my role involves raising funds, it’s equally about being a good steward of our donors’ generosity. This gift from the Community Foundation empowers a group of dedicated young people to reach for their goals — and to do so safely.”

The announcement was made by Holy Name Athletic Director Tony Derkos at the Crusaders’ home basketball game Nov. 4, where the Holy Name Crusaders fifth and sixth grade boys’ team won in overtime against the Escanaba Eskymos. The crowd’s excitement was matched by the enthusiasm of the Crusader cheerleaders, proudly supporting their classmates — soon with new mats to help them soar even higher.

The grant is from the Community Foundation for Delta County and its Youth Advisory Committee, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.

Holy Name Catholic School may be reached for more information at 906-786-7550 or the school’s website, www.holynamecrusaders.com.