The bonds formed by participating in Pop Warner are irreplaceable, with each organization forming it's own unique "family." And when tragedy strikes, it affects the entire family.
The members of the Fairport (NY) Pop Warner program are a prime example of this notion, and today their hearts are with the victims of five of its former family members.
On June 26, five Fairport High School graduates and lost their lives in a horrific car accident just days after their graduation, and the Fairport program responded immediately by reaching out to the families. The program has been making donations to help the families pay for funeral arrangements and other needs, and is also hoping to establish a long-term scholarship in honor of the girls.
The victims; Bailey Goodman, 17, Hannah Congdon, 18, Meredith McClure, 17, Katie Shirley, 18, and Sara Monnat, 18, were all either former Pop Warner cheerleaders or coaches who helped the younger cheerleaders with their routines. They were en route to a family vacation area on Keuka Lake when their vehicle collided head on with a tractor-trailer.
The tragedy was felt around the country, but hit home especially hard on the Fairport Pop Warner organization.
"They did so much for our organizations and our community...these girls made a big impact on this program....We will do everything we can for the families." stated Lynn Hartline, the Cheer Director for Fairport Pop Warner.
Former Cheer Director Cindy Dunn echoed those statements.
"These kids were what Pop Warner Cheerleading was all about. They were great teachers for our young girls. They were exactly what you would like your daughters to be."
The association also has plans to create a memorial plaque to be displayed at Minerva DeLand School, which is where all Fairport Pop Warner games are held.
A website has been created a site in remembrace of all five victims with videos on each girl. This page can be viewed here: Remembering the Fairport Crash Victims
