Day one started behind the scenes, with our CDT team coming together to prepare something really special. Hotel rooms was decorated with balloons and a custom banner and the van was decorated with excitement for the weekend ahead.
Then came one of the sweetest moments, picking Annabelle up.
She was surprised at school with a full sendoff at Hardin Park, surrounded by her teachers and classmates. The hallways were lined with people cheering her on as she walked through, already stepping into her dream. She received her very own cheer uniform, and you could just see it, she knew this weekend was hers.
From there, the celebration continued with a shopping spree at Alumni Hall, where Annabelle got to pick out her favorite App State gear. She took her time, smiling through every choice, fully embracing the moment.
Next stop: a little pampering. At the nail salon, Annabelle got to relax, laugh, and feel special, because she is.
The afternoon rolled into a campus tour, giving her a glimpse into the place where she’d soon be cheering on the sidelines, followed by dinner together as a group, sharing stories, laughter, and building even more excitement for what’s ahead.
The night wrapped up back at the hotel, where another surprise waited. Her room had been fully decorated by the team, creating a space that felt just as joyful and vibrant as she is.
The next morning started with breakfast together at Daniel Boone Inn, a time to slow down for a moment, share laughs, and get ready for a big day ahead.
From there, the group headed to Fan Fest, and this is where things really started to feel real. Annabelle got to meet the App State Cheer team and their coach, and before long, she wasn’t just watching…she was in it! Practicing alongside the team, learning cheers, and stepping confidently into a space she had dreamed about for so long.
Then came the moment. At “Battle at the Rock,” Annabelle didn’t just make an appearance, she cheered the entire game. For over three hours, she showed up with nonstop energy, a huge smile on her face, and pure joy in every moment. She danced, cheered, and soaked in every second like she belonged there…because she did.
You could see it in her face…this wasn’t just a fun experience. This was her moment.
After the game, the celebration kept going with a sweet treat at Blue Deer, where everyone got to cool down and relive some of the best moments of the day.
Dinner at Peppers gave the group another chance to come together, laugh, and reflect on everything Annabelle had already experienced, though the day still wasn’t over.
The night wrapped up with bowling at High Country Lanes, filled with more laughter, friendly competition, and memories being made. And to end it all, Annabelle headed back to the hotel for some time in the pool, complete with her new floaties, just being an 11-year-old kid, full of happiness.
The final morning was slow, sweet, and full of gratitude.
The group gathered for a private breakfast at Mo’s Sweets, where they closed the space just for Annabelle and her crew. Over warm, delicious crepes and lots of laughter, it was a moment to soak it all in, everything she had just experienced, everything she had stepped into, and all the joy she brought to every single moment.
