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Peggy Dorman relives her high school cheerleading days thanks to the Dream Big initiative at Stonegate Village.
Senior’s Cheerleading Comeback Brings Community Together
For most people, high school memories remain just that—memories. But for Peggy Dorman, an 88-year-old resident of Stonegate Village in Sandusky, Michigan, a long-cherished dream became reality when she returned to the sidelines as a cheerleader decades after her last routine.
Thanks to the Dream Big initiative, which helps seniors experience moments they once thought impossible, Peggy joined the Sandusky Cheer Team to cheer at a Sandusky High School Varsity Basketball game. The experience made possible through the collaboration of Stonegate Village, Sandusky Cheer Team, and Sanilac Transportation brought joy to Peggy and the entire community.
A Dream Revived: ‘Made Me Feel Young Again!’
Peggy often reminisced about her days as a high school cheerleader, sharing stories with fellow residents and staff. When someone asked if she would ever want to cheer again, she laughed and said, “Absolutely, but I’m too old now.” Refusing to accept that as the final word, the Stonegate Village team worked behind the scenes to make it happen.
On February 25, 2025, Peggy arrived at the Sandusky gym and was greeted by the cheer squad with open arms. She was given a Sandusky Cheer Team shirt and a pair of pom-poms, stepping right into the game-day spirit.
“I cheered all through high school. I had fun doing it,” said Peggy. “With these girls, I felt like part of the team. Made me feel young again!”
Her enthusiasm was contagious. The crowd cheered louder, the cheerleaders rallied around her, and for one night, Peggy was back in her element—leading the crowd with spirit and energy.
Dream Big Initiative Makes Senior Wishes Come True
Peggy’s story is just one of many made possible by Dream Big, an initiative dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of senior residents at Stonegate Village. Supported by the Dream Big Fund, past dreams have ranged from lighthearted adventures like a food fight to thrilling experiences such as riding in a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and spending a day at a motor speedway.
“It’s not just about nostalgia,” said a representative from StoryPoint Group, the senior living organization behind Stonegate Village. “These experiences remind our residents—and all of us—that dreams don’t have an age limit.”
A Community That Supports Its Seniors
Located at 70 W. Argyle Ave., Sandusky, MI, Stonegate Village offers assisted living and memory care, helping seniors maintain independence while receiving needed support. Their Dream Big initiative is just one of the many ways they enrich the lives of residents.
StoryPoint Group, which operates senior living communities across nine states, believes in creating opportunities for seniors to live fulfilling, vibrant lives. With over 9,000 seniors in their communities, their mission extends beyond care—it’s about bringing joy, fostering connections, and proving that age is never a barrier to new experiences.
For more information on Stonegate Village and the Dream Big initiative, call 810-648-9410 or visit StoryPoint.com.
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