SPANISH FORT, Ala. — It's not easy being different — especially in school. All the other students are having a good time, laughing, making friends, getting noticed for the things they do.

But, sometimes, it’s hard to let people know about the good things inside you.

That’s where the Spanish Fort Sparkles come in. A cheerleading team for students with disabilities, the Sparkles are seven young women and one young man in sixth to 12th grade at Spanish Fort Middle and High schools.

The Sparkles are giving the old attitudes about what disabled students can do, well, back-flips.

“The idea comes from the ‘Sparkle Effect,’” explained Cali Quinlavin the group’s sponsor. Quinlavin is a speech pathologist at the two schools. She’s the former SFHS varsity cheerleading coach.

Quinlavin explained that the Sparkle Effect is a national program begun in Iowa that is trying to get at least two squads of handicapped cheerleaders in each of the 50 states.

“I am a speech pathologist and a varsity cheerleading coach,” said Quinlavin. “This combines my two loves.” She explained that the Sparkles have a variety of conditions ranging from autism to Down Syndrome.

“They use the same cheers as our cheerleaders, modified to the student’s needs,” said Quinlavin. “It’s a student-led organization. It’s led by five sophomore and junior leaders.”

She pointed out that the Sparkles wear the same uniforms as the varsity cheerleaders.

“We started cheering at the home basketball games, ” Quinlavin said, noting that the squad was formed mid-year, too late for football last school year, but she expected them to participate during the upcoming football season.

“Spanish Fort is so open, they love everyone,” she said. “We all just have a good time.”

The leaders of the Sparkles are Mary Caitlin Robinson, Emily Harper, Jennifer Trenier, Katie Clark and Savannah Merold.

“For us, it’s important that these cheerleaders get to do what we would do,” said Harper.

“It’s really rewarding to see the school support,” added Trenier.

Working with the Sparkles is its own reward, added Robinson.

“It doesn’t mater what mood you are in. These students brighten your day.”

And it’s easy to get caught up in the cheerleaders’ enthusiasm. One of their cheers goes, “Athletes are great — they always dominate!”