Community Spirit

Etowah High School cheerleaders made a special visit to the Woodstock High football field on a recent Friday night. It wasn’t typical preparation for a gridiron rivalry this time. The Wolverines were facing the Kennesaw Mountain High Mustangs. Instead, the Eagle’s squad came to pay respects to Woodstock High cheerleader, Maddi Phillips, who lost her life in a car accident that morning.

Woodstock Principal Mark Smith said the students came up with their own special ways to celebrate the life of their friend. Before the game, the Etowah squad formed a spirit line for the Woodstock cheerleaders and football players to walk through from the Woodshed. Maddi’s favorite color yellow was everywhere; students wore yellow shirts and ribbons, and released yellow balloons into the air.

“It’s such a blessing to see the community come together and to see our student body celebrate Maddi’s life in their own way,” Smith said. “There’s been an outpouring of support form cheerleaders across the state showing support of our cheerleading squad. We appreciate the Etowah Eagles and the Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs for showing such class.”