The Burkes, Kayley and Katie, have set an example for inclusion
By Buck Frank
bfrank@altoonamirror.com
Jayne Burke refers to it as an “aha” moment, one, just like in a cartoon, where a bright light bulb flashes on the television screen when someone develops a brilliant idea.
Burke was attending the basketball game of her younger daughter, Kayley, at State College High School two years ago when she noticed one of the State College cheerleaders was a young girl with Down syndrome.
Kayley, a sophomore at the time sitting on the Altoona Lady Lions’ bench, also noticed the girl.
“It was close to halftime, and like a magnet, I was drawn to this little darling,” Jayne recalled. “When she got up to leave, I looked over at Kayley on the bench, and we both looked at the girl. She knew what I was thinking, and I knew what she was thinking.”
The Burkes immediately planned on how they could do something similar for Kayley’s older sister, Katie, an Altoona student who faces many challenges, including having cerebral palsy — impairment of motor function due to brain damage — and being in the autism spectrum.
Katie enjoyed being a cheerleader in elementary school but didn’t have an opportunity to follow her passion through junior high and high school because of her condition.
Kayley began to research on the internet and eventually found “The Sparkle Effect,” a national nonprofit organization that unites students with and without disabilities to form a scholastic cheer team that is fueled by inclusiveness.
Kayley took the idea to the Altoona Area School District, and by her 11th grade season, Katie was cheering on the first Altoona Sparkle Effect cheerleading squad.
“It think it is something special,” said Kayley, one of three seniors currently on the Altoona girls basketball team that went 19-3 during the regular season and will play in the District 6 Class 6A championship game on Friday. “I never really thought it would happen — I’m playing basketball and my sister cheering me on. Katie’s always been at my games, but the fact that she’s an Altoona cheerleader makes it more special.”
Typical sisters
According to their mother, the Burke sisters are just like any other pair of siblings. With Katie just 2 years older than Kayley, they formed a strong bond at a young age.
They took dance together for several years, and they played on the same AYSO soccer team for five years. The Burkes also arranged for the two to attend the same schools together — although the two have not had classes together.
They’re both set to graduate in June.
“We’re very close,” Kayley said. “We’re typical sisters who fight a lot, but I always look out for her.”
“Kayley is very nice to me,” Katie said. “She’s thoughtful and kind. She’s a great little sister that I love.”
Jayne said she and her husband, Michael, never wanted Kayley to feel responsible for Katie, but that hasn’t been much of an issue in their home.
“Kayley has tried to include her in a lot that she does,” Jayne said. “And Kayley has always been there for Katie. She’s been her buddy at the Miracle League since the beginning about 11 years ago. Kayley loves (the Miracle League) — she loves being there as much as Katie.”
New perspective
Growing up with a special needs sister has given Kayley a perspective on life that maybe only one in a similar situation can have. She’s well aware of the impact Katie has made on her life.
“Katie has definitely shaped me into the person that I am,” Kayley said. “I’m more open-minded and more caring. She never complains, and I do. Seeing how she is makes me realize not to complain and just suck it up.”
That lesson invariably has helped Kayley meet the demands of a heavy schedule. She juggles an honors curriculum with sports — she also was a starter on the tennis team, is a thrower in track and field and has played softball, soccer and flag football — volunteerism, church and other activities, like student council.
“Kayley’s sense of duty and compassion for others flourishes and is demonstrated by the time she devotes to her other clubs and committees and by making it a priority to support her sister Katie in everything she does,” Altoona girls basketball coach Miriam Colledge said. “I have witnessed Kayley’s devotion to her sister over the past five years, and if there was ever a person that has championed the true spirit of humanity, it undoubtedly would be Kayley Burke.”
That was no more evident than her role in establishing the Altoona Sparkle Effect cheerleaders. Five special needs girls were able to cheer at approximately 15 sporting events this year, and they cheer right alongside with the school’s cheer squad.
Katie celebrated her senior night with the other senior cheerleaders at last Wednesday’s boys basketball game. It was a crowning achievement after years of sitting behind the cheerleading squad at Kayley’s games wishing she could cheer like the other girls.
According to Jayne, the Sparkle Effect cheer idea was met with some resistance at first but has proven to be successful and could grow into helping other special needs children feel part of the whole.
“I can honestly say (the Sparkle team) is something you could tell some (of the non-Sparkle cheerleaders) embraced it and others did not,” Jayne said. “That’s fine. They’re young girls and not every person is (comfortable in these situations). I understand. But I will say, it has shined a spotlight on some of the best students that the high school has. Girls, like Myranda Thomas and Cassidy McKnight, have treated Katie like just another cheerleader and have spent extra time with her.
“Katie will come home from school and say, ‘Mom, I saw some of the cheerleaders today, and they said hi to me.’ That’s big for her. That’s what this program is about — inclusiveness.”
Voice rings clear
Kayley said she’s proud to see her sister cheering at her basketball games. But seeing her isn’t the only reason she’s proud.
“I can always hear her,” Kayley said. “She’s always been the loudest (sitting in the stands), and especially now that she’s a cheerleader.”
But Katie also takes her big sister role to heart and isn’t shy about giving pointers to Kayley. Recently, the Altoona girls suffered their worst loss of the season to Hempfield, and Katie left the Fieldhouse not too pleased.
“We walked out of the gym into the cold, climbed into the car, and (Katie) said, ‘Mom, they got burnt,”’ Jayne said. “I laughed and said keep that thought and tell Kayley, it will make her laugh — but it didn’t.”
That loss to Hempfield was just one of the few downers in an otherwise terrific season for the Lady Lions. With just one regular starter returning from last year, Altoona entered the 2017-18 season with many question marks.
But the Lady Lions’ team-first mentality has helped carry them to a current No. 8 ranking in the state in Class 6A by Pennlive. Kayley has been an integral part, coming off the bench but being part of the regular six-girl rotation.
With injuries and sickness on the team, she’s started her share of games as well and has been adept at hitting 3-pointers and providing aggressive defense. Kayley said the team is “one big happy family.”
“Kayley’s always positive and supportive,” Colledge said. “She mentors our younger players while encouraging her varsity teammates to play to their fullest potential.”
Bond of togetherness
While Kayley will be focused on the upcoming playoffs, she’s got an eye on her future, too. After graduation, she’s planning on majoring in business economics at a to-be-determined college that’s not too far away from home.
Jayne said Katie will begin her young adulthood by participating in Special Olympics and doing a lot of volunteering. She said Katie has talked to her about giving back to veterans.
Although their paths will go in separate ways, temporarily, the bond the two sisters share will always lead them back to each other.
“In my situation, I know I will have to help Katie and one day take care of her,” Kayley said. “But I’ve been doing that as we were growing up together. It won’t be much different. When that time comes, we’ll share that together, and it will be special.”
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