In a display of community collaboration and support for youth sports, the School District of Lancaster has received a $25,000 donation from WK Kellogg Co and Weis Markets, Inc. to provide new uniforms and equipment for the district’s middle school cheerleading teams. The generous contribution, facilitated through DonorsChoose, will benefit five middle schools: Jackson, Lincoln, E.R. Martin, Reynolds, and Wheatland.
The check presentation, held at a local Weis Markets, was attended by representatives from WK Kellogg Co, Weis Markets, Inc., and the School District of Lancaster. WK Kellogg Co’s Senior Director of Sales, Christine Dockey, spoke to the importance of initiatives like Mission Tiger, a program dedicated to empowering children through sports, play, and learning.
“At WK Kellogg Co, we believe that doing good is good for business. Mission Tiger is one of our key strategies for creating sustainable impact, both for people and the planet,” Dockey remarked. “Since its inception in 2019, Mission Tiger has positively impacted over 3,000 schools nationwide, fostering almost 2 million experiences with sports and play. We’re thrilled to continue that legacy today by supporting Lancaster’s middle school cheerleaders.”
John Evans, representing Weis Markets, Inc., echoed that sentiment. “At Weis Markets, we believe in being part of the local community. Supporting the well-being of our youth through physical activity is key to fostering healthy lifestyles. We are proud to partner with WK Kellogg Co and the School District of Lancaster to provide this donation, which we know will make a lasting impact on these young athletes.”
The funds will provide uniforms for up to 90 student-athletes each year, allowing for the expansion of the district’s middle school cheerleading program. This program, which ran as a pilot last year, was officially approved for the 2024-2025 school year after demonstrating significant student interest.
Marley Frantz, Head Middle School Cheerleading Coach for the district, shared her excitement for the future of the program. “We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from our students,” Frantz said. “Cheerleading not only builds confidence and athletic skill, but it fosters a sense of community and belonging. Thanks to this donation, we can now provide uniforms to every athlete, ensuring they feel like they are part of the team.”
Frantz, who has been coaching for a decade, read heartfelt messages from her cheerleaders, capturing the profound impact that this new opportunity has had on them. One cheerleader wrote, “Cheer has helped keep me safe and taught me the values of community. It’s given me a sense of belonging among my peers.”
Another student expressed how the new uniforms have instilled a sense of pride and unity: “People just think it’s a uniform, but it’s more. It gives us confidence and brings us together as a team. It’s amazing how one outfit can change your whole mentality.”
The donation marks a pivotal moment for the School District of Lancaster and our strategic plan, as the cheerleading program continues to grow, providing opportunities for students to engage in athletics, develop leadership skills, and cultivate school spirit.
As the event concluded, Marley Frantz reflected on the significance of this contribution: “This is more than just a donation—it’s an investment in the future of our students. We are incredibly thankful to WK Kellogg Co and Weis Markets, Inc. for believing in our athletes and giving them the tools they need to succeed.”
The district looks forward to seeing the cheerleaders on the sidelines, proudly representing their schools in their new uniforms, made possible by the generosity of WK Kellogg Co and Weis Markets, Inc.
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