VIDEO: Special Surprise for Elizabeth Weidner

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Published on April 20 2016 5:16 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

It was a special time for Teutopolis Junior High School student Elizabeth Weidner Wednesday afternoon.

Elizabeth, who is battling cancer, was celebrated with a special pep rally in her honor in the school gym. The junior high cheerleaders, the Teutopolis Pomerettes and the Teutopolis High School cheerleaders were all on hand, but the special guests were members of the University of Illinois cheerleading squad.

The U of I cheerleader visit was arranged by T.J. Hodges of Roses from Linda, the people-helping organization.

Word got around school about the pep rally, so students after being dismissed either hung around or came back for the event. Many adults were also on hand, including Elizabeth's father, Matt, and Matt's mother and father. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was driven home from the hospital by her mom, Jennifer, for the ceremony. Jennifer phoned Matt to let him know when they were almost there and the crowd and the cheer gangs got in place. As Elizabeth arrived at the entrance to the gym, Junior High Principal Pat Drees swung the door open and the cheers began for Elizabeth.

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Elizabeth was chosen for the junior high cheerleading squad, but hasn't had an opportunity yet to participate. She got a taste of what it's like during the ceremony, though, posing with the U of I cheerleaders, including St. Anthony High School graduate Liz Wortman, who was on hand in what she told us was her last official appearance as a U of I cheerleader as she'll be graduating soon.

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Matt Weidner took time to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and who has helped. It was mentioned that Roses from Linda has raised funds from sales of special T-shirts in Elizabeth's honor to pay for her cheerleading camp expenses this summer.