Cheerleader overcomes scoliosis, plans on studying nursing
PENDLETON, Ind. (WISH) — Spirits are high at Pendleton Heights High School. The cheer team, fresh off a state title, now shifts the focus to nationals.
“We worked really hard and a lot we practice three days a week and I think we deserved it,” Kennady Garris said.
Meet Kennady. A senior cheerleader who not only takes care of business on the mat, but also in the classroom with a 3.6 GPA.
If you told Kennady she would be in this spot back in 2016, she wouldn’t have believed you.
“We had no idea and my friend was the one who actually noticed it that my back was crooked,” said Kennady.
Her friend’s watchful eye caught something no active teenager wants to hear – scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine that can cause spine deformities that continue to get more severe as they grow.
“It was tough I mean even before surgery it was scary the surgery itself was eight hours. We didn’t know if she’d be able to cheer again,” said Amber Garris.
Two titanium rods and 18 screws later, the senior has yet to miss a beat.
“I’m just proud of her everyday everything she does and everything she’s overcome plus all the intensive surgery she went through and still kept he grades up,” said Shawn Garris.
“What’s great about her is she helps others just by being her self. So they see her work, so they up their game. People want to stunt like her want to be like her,” said Brenda Jamerson.
Inspired by her own medical hardships, Kennady plans on going to college and studying an area she certainly appreciates.
“I want to be a nurse but that’s just my dream I’ve wanted to be a nurse or be in the medical field for a really long time. I really want to help people,” said Kennady.
She’s already helped the Arabians to state championships. Next on the list? Helping the team to a national title.
Congratulations again to Kennady for being the IBEW Local 481 Athlete of the Month for November.