Enthusiasm reached a fevered pitch at Fellowship Community in Whitehall as residents welcomed the Whitehall High School varsity football team and cheerleading squad for a pep rally Aug. 22, the evening before the Whitehall Zephyr’s first game of the season against Wilkes-Barre Area High School.

Residents were excitedly led in cheers by former cheerleader and activities director, Kim Cseh, during the event, held at the assisted living facility, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall,

The football team, cheerleaders and residents had time together after the festivities to mingle and share stories.

One cheerleader shared a story with a resident about the need to hide a tear in her uniform while trying to finish a difficult cheering routine. Both the cheerleader and the resident, a former cheerleader, exclaimed in unison that they knew exactly how horrible the situation was.

Football players shared stories of surprise victories as well as sudden losses with residents who had played football. Attendees offered sage advice, encouragement and inspiration for a great season.

Cseh noted, “Many of the residents are from Whitehall and have a personal affiliation with the high school.”