For their winter season, the Abington High School Cheer Team has their first male cheerleader.

Jason Dole, a member of the class of 2021, says, “I’m really looking forward to getting closer with the team and creating more and more bonds. The girls and Alyssa [coach] have all been so kind and welcoming toward me and I’m happy to say that this season looks like it is going to be great.”

One of Dole’s main goals is to bring a positive and uplifting energy this season. Dole says, “I think that my decision to join cheer will really show kids that are afraid to join a sport/activity that anything is possible and what you’re capable of is only controlled by your own motivation.”

He hopes his courage to try out despite his doubts will inspire other students to try out for cheer, or other sports for that matter, and not let their fear hold them back from doing what they strive for.

Dole hopes his courage to try out, despite knowing he would be the first male, “will change cheer and all athletics at Abington by getting more kids to participate in them. By showing people that you can join any sport that you desire, no matter your gender, athletic rates will definitely go up.” He adds, “This is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Alyssa McSharry, the cheer coach at Abington High School, is also extremely excited for the upcoming season. She says, “Jason is an awesome kid—I’ve enjoyed the last couple of weeks getting to know him—he has an infectious personality and the team has completely taken to him!”

For his part, Dole says, “I definitely bring a positive attitude and uplifting aspect to the team.”

Coach McSharry says, “It takes a lot of courage to be the first person to try something for the first time, so Jason took a huge leap of faith when he tried out for AHS Cheer. I’m hoping that it will encourage others to do the same. For kids I think it sometimes takes just one brave person to allow others to say if that person did it, I think I can too.”

Dole has been working extremely hard in improving himself as a cheerleader. He says, “I came into tryouts with little to no knowledge about the sport, worked hard every day, and gave it my all and I’m really starting to learn what it’s all about. I think a lot of what turns people away from doing a sport is their fear of not being ‘good enough’.”  Dole adds, “I hope that I can show people that everyone is good enough for whatever it is that they’re interested in.”

Dole’s accomplishments and efforts show what a trailblazer he is and reminds others to push themselves, try out for new activities or sports, and to not to be afraid of failure or judgment.