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Cheerleaders Adopt Squad In Tornado Devastated Alabama Town

Cheerleaders at one area school have adopted the cheerleaders at a small school in an Alabama town devastated by the recent tornadoes.

Phil Campbell, Alabama, tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state, is a small town with a population of 1,090 — until the tornado hit. There were 28 fatalities in the Phil Campbell High School attendance zone when the massive EF5 mile tornado devastated the town, flattening hundreds of homes and businesses. About 60 people remain hospitalized.

The varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders at Jay High School decided to “adopt” the cheerleading squads at Phill Campbell High School and send a personal care package to each cheerleader.

“We wouldn’t have been doing our job as cheerleaders if we hadn’t jumped at the opportunity to help,” Jay cheerleader Tessa Hendricks said. “I would have been devastated and in complete shock. I hope by sending care packages we were able to cheer them up or at least make them smile.”

Many of the Jay Royal girls contacted their “adopted” cheerleader via Facebook, where they learned that 4 of the 12 varsity cheerleaders at Phil Campbell lost their homes and everything that they had.

“Since we are the same age and have been through a natural disaster before, we can kind of understand what they are going through. All of us wanted to help in any way we could, and this was a great opportunity to do something for people that we can relate to,” said  the Royals’ Meridith Owens. “It’s hard to imagine exactly what these girls are feeling, but if I were in their situation, I would be glad to get any help possible. Even the smallest things would mean a lot. Getting a care package from someone my age would be great, and I would be very thankful.”

The care packages were delivered directly to the PCHS girls  by Janie Gomillion, Jay’s SGA sponsor, who has a relative who teaches at Phil Campbell High.

“I love helping out people, it’s the Christian thing to do. When something terrible like this happens, it is important to be a part and do as much as you can,” said Abby Raney. “If I were in this situation, I would be completely devastated, and I would greatly appreciate people helping me out in anyway possible.”

“This school really touches the heart of our students because the school is very much like Jay,” said Junia Fischer, Jay varsity cheer coach. “This is a good story that comes from such a bad storm.”

Pictured top: The Jay High School varsity cheerleaders created personal care packages for each member of a cheerleading squad in the town of Phil Campbell, Alabama, which was devastated last month by a tornado. Pictured top inset: Camille Driver writes a note to her “adopted” Phil Campbell cheerleader. Pictured bottom inset: Hanna Roberts works on a card for the PCHS squad. Pictured below: Some of the care packages.  Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.