Zinnia has a new job.

She is the official mascot of the new Bishop Maginn Squad, who we met today in the school’s gym for one of their practice sessions. There are 12 members of the Cheer Squad; most couldn’t make it today.

But I did get to talk to the ones who came,  and I took a short video of some of their first cheers.

A cheer squad is a brilliant idea for Bishop Maginn, fighting its way back from years of struggle and decline. The Cheer Squad wants to lift their spirits.

I loved their enthusiasm, their love, and gratitude for the school, their affection for each other, their energy, and spirit. Their passion seemed nothing but healthy and uplifting, and I am happy to try to help them.

They were crazy about Zinnia, and she was crazy about them. She just ran over and joined.

I want to say that I’ve decided to cancel our participation in the Amazon Cheer Squad Wish List we were planning to purchase mats and other equipment for the squad.

I’ve been mentioning the Wish List for a week, and I want to be open about the decision I made to cancel it our support of it, which I reached in conjunction with the school administrators.

The coach of the team is seeking help in buying competitive professional training mats that are used in national competitions. They cost between $1,000 and $5,000, and she wants between seven and nine mats.

She seems fixed on getting those mats. And it’s her call, not mine.

I’m not questioning the validity or need for the mats, but as you know, I have strong feelings about the scale on which we work and am careful about the tasks I ask the Army Of Good to support.

We perform small acts of great kindness, we don’t alter the world, and there are very few wealthy members of this Army. When I choose to support something and ask for help, I make sure it is reasonable, within our range, and in perspective. I want my $5 contributors to be able to participate.

There are kids in the school with no clothes, textbooks, tuition money or much food to eat at home and teachers with few school supplies. At the same time, the Cheer Squad is not a luxury, but essential, a potentially powerfully part of the effort to restore the school’s spirit.

These girls are eager to do that.

I can’t justify asking for that much money from people who have been so unfailingly generous. The school administrators agree with me. There is no conflict or discomfort. They will go back to the drawing boards and figure out what to do, that’s up to them.

I love the school and am committed to it in every way.

I have offered to support the Cheer Squad in smaller and less costly ways. We may be able to help buy uniforms or sneakers for the members who can’t afford to buy their own or to raise money for smaller exercise pads if the coach decides that might be the best way to start the program.

Online, I found good exercise mats for as little as $79. If that turns out to be something the team wants,  we can help.

I was impressed with these girls; this seems a healthy and meaningful way for them to come together, support the school, build community, and raise the confidence of these children, whose lives are complicated.

I took the video above before I found out about the cost of the mats, and you can get a sense of their excitement. I asked several why they wanted to be cheerleaders. I’m sure there are ways for us to help them that fit our philosophy and approach.

Thanks for your interest and patience.

I loved watching Zinnia connect with these young women; it lifted my heart. She sat down and posed as if she’s been doing it for years, and they were thrilled to name her their official mascot.

She sure looked the part.

This dog has a genius for understanding what she is supposed to do. I am rooting for these girls, this is a cause that needs to thrive.