Leelanau Investing for Teens (LIFT) is relaunching its Community Cheer Squad for the new school year, the Suttons Bay-based nonprofit announced this week. LIFT, which provides “free, out-of-schooltime” activities for 6-12th graders in Leelanau County, originally introduced the Cheer Squad in January as a means of getting more people in the community to attend school sporting events and cheer on local student-athletes.

LIFT describes the Community Cheer Squad as “a volunteer-based group dedicated to boosting the morale of high school athletes and creating a fun and energetic atmosphere in the stands.” The group invites attendees at local games, matches, meets, and other competitions to wear custom LIFT Cheer Squad t-shirts, with a logo (pictured) that includes elements of all four public high schools in Leelanau: Suttons Bay, Glen Lake, Northport, and Leland.

“Our goal is to create a sense of unity and camaraderie for the community while showing our unwavering support for Leelanau youth,” said Rebekah TenBrink, LIFT’s executive director, in a press release.

The Community Cheer Squad will officially kick off the fall 2025 semester at next week’s varsity volleyball match between Suttons Bay and Glen Lake. That game is set to be played at the Suttons Bay High School gym next Tuesday, September 30.

Those interested in volunteering to be a part of the Cheer Squad can learn more about how to join by contacting LIFT Volunteer Director Courtney Gorman at 231-866-6202 or by visiting the LIFT website. Volunteers will receive a weekly Cheer Squad newsletter highlighting local athletic schedules, and can pick up an official Cheer Squad t-shirt from the LIFT headquarters in exchange for a small donation. Games are then free to attend with a Cheer Squad t-shirt.