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WILKES-BARRE – GAR cheerleaders gathered Saturday to hold their annual bake sale, but this year was a bit different due to the pending consolidation of the city’s three high schools.
It’s the final season for the Grenadiers, and that stirred some memories.
“We want to go out with a bang,” said senior cheerleader Mikayla Andrzejewski.
The event, usually staged at the beginning of the football season at Schiel’s Family Market on Hanover Street, provided a chance for residents to not only enjoy cookies, fudge and other baked goods, but grab a hot dog, potato chips and a drink for a quick lunch.
Schiel’s manager Robbie Paul said hosting the bake sale is consistent with the store’s commitment to community and to the younger generation.
“We have events like this throughout the summer,” he said. “Boy Scouts, cheerleaders, softball, a little bit of everything.”
Paul said the planned school consolidation will have an impact on events at the store and on business.
“It’s nice to have Meyers High School close by,” he said. “But in the end, it’s what’s best for the kids.”
Andrzejewski said the sale and other fundraisers make it possible for the high school squads to attend camp, purchase uniforms and other necessary items.
Cheerleading coach Ashley Atavilla said the high school cheerleading squads are deemed a “club” and not a “sport,” meaning they support their activities through fundraising.
Still, the cheerleader squads, comprised of 24 girls, also reach out to support other community causes and nonprofits.
“On Sept. 21, we’ll be raising money for childhood cancer during a ‘Go Gold’ day during our game against Wyoming Area,” she said.
The weather, the start of football season and the variety of treats available for sale all seemed to set the stage for a successful event.
And although the peanut fudge and iced vanilla cupcakes were popular, they weren’t the favorite.
“It was the Rice Krispie treats,” said Andrzejewski. “We sold out of them early.”
