JADE KENNY Q&A WASHINGTON REDSKINS CHEERLEADER

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

JADE: I went to the University of Alabama where I majored in Sports Journalism with a minor in Constitutional Law. Today, I’m the Director of Digital Media for a tech and auto company in Washington, DC. I also do some freelance sports reporting.

I was Miss Maryland in 2014 and went on to compete at Miss America where I won the swimsuit preliminary and the community service award. I worked really hard to earn that job, so I definitely treasure that time in my life.

Outside of cheerleading, my hobbies include working out, traveling, fishing on the bay with family and hanging out with my mini golden-doodle, Reba.

How long have you been a Redskins cheerleader?

JADE: I’ve been a Redskins cheerleader for five amazing years. This is my first season as one of the captains, and I can honestly say that the skills I learned when I was a leader on my Pop Warner team have prepared me for this role.

Do you do any volunteer work?

JADE: I love to volunteer! A platform that is very close to me is the Rainbows Organization, which helps children going through the struggle of grief learn how to cope positively. I have been a part of this organization since I was 13 years old.

I’ve also gone on five military appreciation tours with the First Ladies of Football visiting our service men and women.

Tell us about your time with Pop Warner.

It was such a great experience and I loved sharing it with my parents — my mom was my coach for two years and my father was a Pop Warner football coach.

I’ve stayed in touch with a number of my Pop Warner teammates and I’ve actually been in some of their weddings. We love to talk about the days we wore orange and black and cheered on our friends.

How did Pop Warner prepare you for the world of professional cheerleading?

JADE: Pop Warner prepared me substantially for my professional cheer career. I learned so much about life. I learned how to be a good teammate, how to work hard alongside others and how to have self-discipline.

It also taught me how to balance a busy schedule, which is a tool that has helped me immensely in my chaotic life. Those skills have made it possible to balance a full-time career, raise a puppy, give attention to my friends and family and take care of myself all while serving as captain for the Redskins Cheerleaders. I wouldn’t be the “go-getter” I am today without that experience!