Along with the many new teachers and staff members hired this year, we have a new Instructional Assistant, Banen Chaney.

Chaney is the new head cheer coach.

“I love how welcoming everyone has been. I didn’t have to go through the new kid phase; staff members and students were very welcoming,” She said.

In high school, Chaney was a cheerleader her freshman and sophomore year at Lee’s Summit, editor in chief of the school newspaper, student body president of DECA, FBLA, and choir, and Student Senate president junior and senior year.

She then went on to cheer at Avila University her freshman and senior year, and also taught dance.

“I love being able to take my experiences and give them to the squad because they do the same for me and each cheer practice gives us an opportunity to share ideas,” Chaney said.

Chaney says things have changed since she graduated from high school.

“Graduation requirements were easier. My senior year, I left school before lunch and was done for the day,” she said.

Chaney also added that students were not allowed to have their cell phones out during school hours; there was no EOC testing, only MAP; and cheerleaders competed on hardwood floors instead of mats, cheered for soccer, and there were less rules.

The cheerleaders have competed in two competitions, placing fourth at the Regional competition and most recently seventh out of 23 teams at the State competition on Oct. 2.

“Ever since our first practices, we have been preparing for competitions and haven’t had the chance to have fun and get to know each other without the stress of upcoming competitions,” Chaney said.

Before Chaney was hired as an Instructional Assistant here, she was also offered a job as assistant cheer coach at Oak Park but turned it down to come work here at Northtown.

Chaney says there is no other place she would rather work.

“I really feel like this is where I’m supposed to be,” she said.

Chaney also says that she likes how every day is a different and new day.

“I really found what I’m meant to do and passionate about. I haven’t felt that way about a job until now,” she said.

Overall, Chaney says that working here is more than just a job: it is her life and what she enjoys doing.