How Diamond Lawing and Her Team Are Building the Future of Cheer in Appomattox
From Classroom to Cheer Commissioner: Who Is Diamond Lawing?
When you think about community leaders in Appomattox, three names stand out: Diamond Lawing, Jessica Page, and Ryesha Walker. Together they form the leadership team for Appomattox Youth Sports Cheer, and all three are also dedicated teachers in the Appomattox County school system.
Diamond and Jessica both serve as Special Education teachers, bringing patience, creativity, and compassion into their classrooms every day. Diamond also wears another hat as the Head Coach of the Junior Varsity Cheerleaders at Appomattox High School, where she helps guide young athletes to develop both their skills and their confidence. Ryesha Walker teaches at the middle school, where she inspires younger students and helps lay the foundation for their academic and personal growth.
For Diamond, Jessica, and Ryesha, teaching goes far beyond academics. Whether they are in the classroom or on the cheer sidelines, their mission is the same: to help young people build confidence, develop character, and realize their full potential.
Colleagues describe her as someone who always goes the extra mile, and parents regularly express gratitude for the influence she has on their children. Her passion for helping kids succeed is what has made her a beloved figure in the community.
A Decade of Cheerleading Passion
Diamond is no stranger to cheerleading. With more than a decade of experience in the sport, she has dedicated much of her life to cheer both as a participant and as a mentor.
She understands what it takes to be part of a squad. Cheer requires discipline, athleticism, and the ability to work as a team. For Diamond, cheer has never been about performance alone. It has always been about helping young people grow.
Her years of involvement prepared her for her current role as Cheer Commissioner. When the opportunity came to take on the leadership of the Appomattox Youth Sports Cheer program, she embraced it fully.
Speaking about the program, Diamond shared, “This program is all about the kids. Every cheerleader deserves the chance to feel confident, to learn teamwork, and to know their community is behind them. Seeing everyone come out today reminded me why we work so hard. These kids are worth it.”
The Leadership Team: Jessica Page and Ryesha Walker
Diamond is not doing this work alone. She is supported by Co-Commissioners Jessica Page and Ryesha Walker, two dedicated leaders who share her vision for the program.
Jessica Page is known for her organizational skills and her heart for the kids. She keeps events on track and ensures no detail is overlooked. Jessica also sees cheer as a powerful way to prepare young people for their future. As she explained, “When I look at these girls, I don’t just see cheerleaders. I see future leaders, teachers, nurses, and entrepreneurs. Cheer gives them discipline and strength, but it also gives them a voice. That is what we are investing in.”
Ryesha Walker brings encouragement and support to the athletes. She makes sure the cheerleaders always feel valued. Her motivation is simple. “The smiles on their faces today said it all. The kids know this community supports them, and that kind of encouragement sticks with them for life.”
Together, Diamond, Jessica, and Ryesha form a strong leadership team that is shaping the future of cheer in Appomattox.
The Fish Fry Fundraiser: More Than Just a Meal
On Sunday August 24, 2025, the cheer program hosted a Fish Fry fundraiser at Wilbuns, located at 720 Confederate Blvd in Appomattox, VA.
The fundraiser was designed to support the many costs that come with running a cheer program. Uniforms, travel, training opportunities, and equipment all require funding. For many families, these costs can be a barrier. By hosting the Fish Fry, the leadership team made it possible for the entire community to pitch in and ensure no child is left behind.
A Strong Turnout
The turnout surpassed expectations. Families came to buy plates of food, friends reconnected, and supporters stopped by to drop off donations. For those who could not attend in person, the program encouraged giving through CashApp at $AYSFootballCheer, which brought in additional contributions.
The event became more than a fundraiser. It became a community celebration filled with smiles, laughter, and pride in supporting local kids.
Why Cheerleading Matters
Some might view cheerleading as only entertainment, but in communities like Appomattox it plays a much larger role.
Cheer develops physical strength and athleticism, but it also builds teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Being part of a cheer squad gives young people a sense of belonging. For kids who may struggle with shyness, it offers a way to come out of their shell and discover their voice.
A parent at the Fish Fry expressed it well: “My daughter has grown so much since joining cheer. She used to be shy, but now she is standing tall and proud in front of a crowd. I am grateful for the work Diamond and her team are doing. It is changing lives.”
Another parent echoed the same sentiment: “This program is more than sports. It teaches our kids responsibility and confidence, and it keeps them engaged in something positive. That is why we will always show up to support.”
Even the athletes themselves recognize the value. One cheerleader, age 12, said, “I love cheer because it makes me feel like I can do anything. When I see people coming to support us, it makes me feel really proud to be part of the team.”
Community Impact
The Fish Fry demonstrated the power of a small town coming together. Local families, supporters, and businesses all played a part in making the event a success. The food drew people in, but the mission behind it is what kept the energy so strong.
Cheerleading in Appomattox is about much more than routines and performances. It is about giving kids a positive outlet, building lifelong skills, and uniting the community behind its youth.
Looking Ahead
The Fish Fry may have ended, but the mission continues. Diamond Lawing, along with Jessica Page and Ryesha Walker, is already planning more opportunities to bring the community together in support of the cheer program. Future events will not only raise funds for uniforms, travel, and training but will also serve as celebrations of what these kids are accomplishing.
For those who could not attend the Fish Fry or who want to keep supporting beyond the event, donations can still be made directly through CashApp at $AYSFootballCheer. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that the athletes have the resources they need to succeed.
With the continued dedication of this leadership team and the generosity of the Appomattox community, the cheer program’s future looks bright. The goal is not only to prepare young athletes for the season ahead but to give them the confidence and character-building experiences that will serve them for life.
Final Thoughts
The Appomattox Youth Sports Cheer Fish Fry was about more than raising money. It was about celebrating leadership, investing in kids, and showing what happens when a community rallies around its youth.
At the center of it all is Diamond Lawing, a teacher, cheerleader, and mentor who has dedicated over a decade to shaping young lives. Alongside Jessica Page and Ryesha Walker, she is building a program that will have a lasting impact on both the athletes and the community.
TeflonRadio is proud to highlight their efforts and to celebrate the success of an event that proves when people come together, kids win.
