Drageoke

I’m standing on stage as the lights flood us from above, causing the audience to disappear. Under the watchful gaze of our fairy Godfather, I wear a mask displaying calm and nonchalance as I hip thrust to “Sexy and I Know It”. My heart is beating as I take in the full weight of hundreds of people watching us dance. Watching us lip sync. Watching us join together as we rush in for “We are Family”. Because we are. We are a family of brilliant, kind-hearted, and impossibly supportive cheerleaders. Some people shaved their legs for this, trying out pantyhose for the first time (and complaining about the itch). Others gave their time for hair and make-up or to pull together all of the storyline and choreography at the last minute (thank you for saving us!). And, of course, there were people who taught us the significance of this event and the purpose so that we wouldn’t lose sight of that in the splendor of the night. These people. These Haasies… and particularly these Oskis have defined my time here and have showered so much love and affection on me. You revealed to me a level of empathy and care that I didn’t know existed. Thank you for changing me for the better.