In the heart of America’s Midwest, proudly sits the Cornhusker State: Nebraska! Known more for its cornfields, cowboys, and college football, there's a lesser-known phenomenon that's sweeping the state - cheerleading! It’s not just about pompoms and high kicks, oh no! It's about precision, teamwork, and a whole lot of spirit. The cheerleading maestros are a bunch of energetic, vibrant kids who juggle their schoolwork, chores, and even their love for hot dogs at the annual state fair, with their passion for cheerleading. Meet Sparkle McTwisty, a fun-loving, imaginary character who is the unofficial cheerleader mascot of Nebraska. A bouncing bundle of laughter, Sparkle is as colorful as a rainbow and as lively as a firecracker. She has a head full of neon hair that defies gravity, and she inspires the cheerleading troops with her never-ending energy, infectious laughter, and hilarious jokes. However, Sparkle McTwisty is not just about fun and games. She can twist and twirl better than a tornado, and her cheers can drown out even the loudest Husker football fans. She believes that cheerleading is not just about the cheers; it is about bringing smiles, spreading positivity, and making every game a memorable event. So, if you're walking through Nebraska and hear a loud cheer echoing through the cornfields, or spot a whirlwind of colors amid a crowd, that's probably Sparkle McTwisty and her squad of high-spirited cheerleaders, making Nebraska proud and keeping the spirit of the game alive!
Read morebest cheerleading programs in Valley, NE
The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
The Stepper-ettes, founded in 1973 by Sue, is the Midwest’s largest baton twirling and dance organization for young people aged 4 to college. Since its inception, the group has put on performances at over 600 local events, including parades, community celebrations, halftime shows, Special Olympics, assisted living facilities, the Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Governor’s Mansion. The Stepper-ettes are also the proud training grounds for many successful twirlers, cheerleaders, and dance team members, including Miss Nebraska 2001-Tina Foehlinger and Miss Nebraska 2016-Aleah Peters, as well as multiple collegiate marching band feature twirlers and high school feature twirlers. The Stepper-ettes truly have something for everyone!