Even before Emily Schutz became head cheerleading coach at Ferris High School nearly 20 years ago, she was very familiar with the Scarlet and Silver.
“I was a cheerleader at Ferris, so really, my heart is here at Ferris,” noted Emily, who is also the school’s Activities and Athletics department secretary. “I just love getting to share the traditions that I experienced as a Saxon.”
Like many of our high school cheerleading squads, Saxon cheerleaders are busy year-round as they cheer on the sidelines for other teams, plan annual events like Rubber Chicken, and train for their own competitions.
Under Emily’s leadership, Ferris Cheer has won three Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state championships in three years and twice attended United Spirit Association Nationals in California.
“These kids accomplished something that they'll think about forever,” Emily shared, reflecting on how lucky she feels to do her job. “They'll think about that forever, that they had the opportunity to do this.”
Opportunities for students to participate in sports, clubs, performing and visual arts and other activities are supported in part by the local Educational Programs and Operations levy, which also helps to fund academic programs and services that are not funded by the state. The local levy makes up about 15% of Spokane Public Schools' annual operating budget. A replacement levy will be presented to voters on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. For more information, visit Learn About the Levy.