A new cheer team at Aliso Niguel High School is redefining what it means to lead, to support, and to be part of the Wolverine community. Unified Cheer, which was started in September of 2024, meets every Tuesday during Wolverine+ in room 603. Open to all students, the team’s mission is to promote school spirit while fostering inclusion, teamwork, and friendship across all abilities.
The group was founded last school year by former seniors Jovie Becklin and Gonzalo Garcia, with support from their advisor, Dr. Radley, a special education teacher at Aliso Niguel. Their goal was simple but powerful: to create a space where students in the school’s STEPS program could take center stage, not just observe from the sidelines.
STEPS, short for “Structured Teaching, Educationally based, Promoting Independence & Student-centered instruction,” is part of a statewide California initiative that supports students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The program helps students build life skills through academic instruction, social experiences, and community-based learning. Unified Cheer works directly with this program by offering students leadership opportunities in a highly visible and spirited setting.
“We have a few unified sports, but I don’t think it reaches everyone,” says Dr. Radley, “And so cheer gives them school spirit and it’s easier access for everyone.”
Unified Cheer is also aligned with the Special Olympics’ Unified Champion Schools program, which brings together students with and without disabilities through sports, leadership activities, and school-wide engagement. The cheer team serves as one of Aliso Niguel’s newest ways of promoting that inclusive vision.
Now in its second year, Unified Cheer is led by club president Star Kissen (11) and vice president Logan Ellis (11), both juniors have been involved since its creation. Each week, they lead the group in short cheer routines and prepare for events such as Unified flag football games.
Last year, the team participated in just three events as it was getting started. But this year, participation has grown, and so has the excitement. Unified Cheer is already preparing to perform at several upcoming school events and sports games.
Unlike a traditional cheer team, Unified Cheer doesn’t focus on competition or complex choreography. Instead, it prioritizes connection, communication, and personal growth. Like ASB or Link Crew, the team builds real-world skills, collaboration, public speaking and confidence, while giving students a chance to step into leadership roles.
“It empowers our kids to cheer for other people,” says Radley, “A lot of times kids come to them, but this is a time for our students to be leaders at school. They don’t get those opportunities very often.”
For many of the students involved, Unified Cheer offers a rare chance to shine. Whether leading a chant, helping a teammate practice, or performing on the sidelines, each member plays an important role and gets recognized for it.
Mrs. Radley says, “They get to perform for athletes that don’t receive very much recognition, so it’s really exciting for them too.”
With more events planned and growing interest among students, Unified Cheer is quickly becoming more than just a club; it’s a movement toward making Aliso Niguel a more inclusive and welcoming place for all students.
Any student interested in joining Unified Cheer can stop by room 603 on a Tuesday during Wolverine+. No sign-ups, auditions, or experience are required, just a willingness to support others and bring positive energy to the sidelines.
