Pom

Pom-Poms Don’t Make a Raiderette

By Raiderdrive-Contributer
By Paul Turse, Ed.D., a.k.a. "Samurai Raider"

What do Raiderettes do with their pom-poms when they retire? Do they pass them on, like some kind of symbolic torch, to the rookies so that the new representatives will carry on the burning tradition?

Actually, most Raiderettes, like Anjelah Johnson (left), keep their pom-poms as mementos of all the great times they shared with each other and the fans. While many Raiderettes hang on to their pom-poms for the sentimental value, the symbolic value remains for the rookies who will dazzle the fans with their own.

For even though the rookie Raiderettes will not have received their pom-poms directly from their retired sisters, when they take up their own, they'll know deep inside that, in a sense, they will be taking up the gauntlet. Thus, they will be challenged to live up to the tradition that their fore sisters built as they follow in the dance steps of those that cheered the way. They will also come to learn that that the football field is not the only place where they must spread good cheer, but that they must stand as role models who give hope and inspiration to many young girls who aspire to be like them. And when their time comes to retire, they will come to realize that they must go on to new fields of endeavor, bringing with them the dedication and discipline of a Raiderette, and doing it all without pom-poms.

Anjelah Johnson is a departing Raiderette who not only has cherished memories but also has some veteran words of advice for the newly appointed Rookies. She is also going on to pursue her lifetime dream of making it in TV or on the silver screen, and she is learning that success has nothing to do with pom-poms.

For Anjelah, her year as a Raiderette, especially on the field, was filled with so many exciting times that it was difficult for her to name any one single outstanding event: “My most memorable experience? Hmm...either being named one of the Rookies of the Year or…the rainy ‘monsoon’ [Kansas City] game...wait, the AFC Championship game was a night I will never forget. And, you can't forget about the whole Super Bowl experience! The whole season was awesome!”

Aside from a winning season, one thing that makes for an awesome season is an awesome cheerleader like Anjelah. Besides wowing the fans with her dancing ability, Anjelah, the girl of a “thousand voices,” regaled her friends with her acting talents, especially her fascinating accents. You name it—from British to good ole New Joisey dialects—this vivacious dark-haired beauty can bring you on an imaginary journey to any part of the world with her dialectical repertoire. However, her most profound accent is the emphasis she places on faith, and her loudest voice is her silent prayer. Her spirituality is evidenced by her confidence as she goes forth in a bold attempt to make it in the difficult entertainment industry: “God has big plans for my life, and I am doing what I have to do to follow his will.”

The concept of having faith in God is not an ideal that she reserves for her self—and it is not always silent, but one that she shares with all that she meets with a loud and clear message. The following experience demonstrates that often the most memorable experiences for a Raiderette occur off the field:

At an autograph signing, Anjelah met a young girl about twelve years old who wanted an autographed picture. The girl expressed the desire to be a cheerleader but feared she was overweight. Anjelah lifted the girl’s spirits by telling her “she was beautiful and could do anything she wanted to.”

Not only did Anjelah sign her name on the picture, but she also added her version of her favorite Bible scripture from Philippians 4:13, which she writes on all of her photographs: I can do ALL things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. “She was touched by that,” Anjelah recalled, “and so was her mom and aunt, who were there with her.”

A short while later, the girl came back and asked if she could have Anjelah’s e-mail address so that she could seek advice whenever she felt the need. Anjelah was quite moved by the request: “The fact that she looked up to me and wanted to be just like me was such a blessing. I felt so honored. We have kept in contact since then. I am thankful that I was able to be a blessing in her life.”

The key personality trait that endears Anjelah to all who meet her is her genuine interest in others and her ability to make them feel a sense of self-worth. Many youngsters who seek autographs from high-profile personalities may be so impressed with their role models that they may not realize their own potential. Thus, Anjelah has her own way of making them feel important: “Sometimes when kids would come up to me and ask me for my autograph, I would ask them for theirs. They would get all excited because I was so serious about wanting their autographs. No one had ever asked them for that before.”

Now that she is down in LA, Anjelah may not get to meet any of the new Raiderettes in the near future. Therefore, Angela sends this message to those that follow her: “Take advantage of every moment. You’re never promised another season, let alone another day. Soak it all up!” Even if it’s during a “monsoon,” she might have added.

And while Anjelah won't be brandishing her pom-poms in front of the fans at the Associates Network Coliseum anymore, she will no doubt continue to use her multifaceted talents, charm, and personality to inspire children, co-workers, or whomever she comes in contact with, continuing to make new fans and to build new memories. Moreover, she may be doing it on TV or the silver screen. And if and when she fulfills her dream of stardom, should you ever meet her and ask her for her autograph, don’t be surprised if she asks for yours. And if you’re extra lucky, she might do it with one of her accents.

Although Anjelah is no longer cheering, always in her heart—with or without pom-poms—she will be a Raiderette, and that is one thing she will never forget. Moreover, her fans will never forget her because she is living proof that pom-poms don’t make a Raiderette.

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