“All the way to the top. That’s where we’re going to be.
Summit Academy is the best you will ever see.”
The cheer came through loud and clear from the voices of the 24 Summit Academy Akron Elementary students who participated in the school’s recent cheer camp. The free, four-day camp was led by nationally known competitive cheerleader Paisley Martin with support from her mother, Rhonda Stark, a licensed professional clinical counselor and the owner and CEO of Orangetheory Fitness in Akron, Canton and Copley. World Elite Cheer coaches Sarah Tedrick, HR manager, and Sarah Dudley provided choreography.
During their first three days of camp, which started on September 12 at the school, the students received instruction on an all-star cheerleading dance, an all-star cheer and a school cheer. “Everyone learned them in hours,” said Stark, expressing her pride in the children’s progress.
From assisting students with placing their white, green and gold bows in their hair to leading them in warm-up exercises and coaching them through cheers, 17-year-old Martin directed the camp with a warm and comfortable yet structured style that seemed to chime with every child. Martin’s involvement with Summit Academy Akron Elementary School began in late July when she donated $700 in STEM kits to the school. She raised donations for the kits through an online fundraising campaign.
Fifth-grade Ariel said she wanted to participate in the camp to try out cheerleading “to see if I liked it,” she said. When asked for her impression of the camp, she gestured with a thumbs-up.
“It’s the best,” added first grader Kumari, who emphasized her interest in cheerleading and in performing backbends, handstands, flips and other related feats.
A grand finale pep rally followed on the fourth and final day of the camp, giving family members a chance to watch their children perform the routines they learned throughout the week.
Camp participants received free cheer bows, beaded performance bracelets and uniforms. Martin says she plans to take her camp on the road and offer it at several other Summit Academy Schools across Ohio. Summit Academy Akron Elementary School Cheer Camp 2022 Video Clip