By JOSEPH ANTONIO / For the Reporter

Kelly Hill is one of a select few who get to take their passion with them to work every day. In addition to teaching both early childhood education and ESL classes at both Auburn University and UAB, Hill is the owner of Eagle Pride Cheerleading. Hill teaches this program at only one school, Inverness Elementary. During the school year she coaches between 45 and 55 girls. “I coach all the young girls from kindergarten through third grade. I have been at Inverness now for five years,” she said.

Hill began cheerleading in high school as well as participating in gymnastics. “Both go hand in hand,” she added. During the summer when school is not in session, Hill, along with her husband, are both competitive coaches at Vision Gymnastics in Hoover. She also works as a judge there as well. Among the many skills Hill teaches her young students are; cheers, chants, dance routines, rolls, back bends, hand stands, cart wheels, cheernastics and all the basics for tumbling.

For Hill, the most fun and rewarding part of her job is the children. “Being able to work with the young girls and getting to spend an hour with them is so fun because they get so excited when they have learned something new,” she said happily.

However, this program is strictly all fun and games and is not a stepping-stone for elite level competition. “For them it is truly about learning something new and having school spirit, character development and understanding team work,” said Hill.

However, there are some perks for Hill’s pupils. The reward for her young clientele is an opportunity to perform at middle school and high school athletic events. “We work towards doing two games a year. Basketball and football,” she stated.

If you are interested in registering your child for Eagle Pride Cheerleading, you can go to the Shelby County Community Education website or simply attend school registration at Inverness Elementary this fall to sign up for classes.