Twelve-year-old Kira Shaw became a Penn State cheerleader this past weekend, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Shaw, who has a neuromuscular disorder, has had 15 surgeries in her young life. Her wish to become a Penn State cheerleader — which she said she chose over a trip to DisneyWorld and other options — began Friday with a visit to a beauty salon to get her hair and nails done. After lunch, she went to the Student Bookstore for the official presentation of her uniform, pom-poms and megaphone. Then, she joined the rest of the squad for a pep rally outside the bookstore.
On Saturday, she participated in pregame festivities at The Bryce Jordan Center, and then ran ahead of the Penn State Nittany Lion football team as it took the field for the game against Boston College. During the game, she was recognized on the scoreboard as she cheered along with the rest of the squad.
For pictures, check the Web at http://live.psu.edu/still_life/09_08_03_makeawish/index.html