Candlestone assisted living resident Ilagene “Gene” Doehring, is 97 going on 17. Her passion for life is unmatched, despite her age. She experienced a full-circle moment recently by joining the Merrill High School cheerleading squad for a spirited performance — more than 80 years after helping found the original team.
In the early days of her mid-Michigan high school years, Gene noticed other schools had cheerleaders. Determined to bring that spirit to Merrill High School, she and her peers tracked down hard-to-find orange fabric, and with the help of a seamstress, sewed the school’s first cheer team uniforms.
“We never had cheerleaders, and we would go to other schools where they had cheerleaders, and we said why do they have them and we don’t. We had a lady sew us up some uniforms and there we go,” Gene said. That decision sparked decades of tradition for the school — and a love for cheerleading that Gene never let go of over the next eight decades
The residents and employees at her community knew all too well that Gene was a former cheerleader. “She will give us a high kick now and again,” said Kati Roper, Life Enrichment Director at Candlestone. When Kati told the Merrill High School cheer coach about Gene, it brought about a visit by the current high school cheer team.
“I was surprised, I said what is going on here,” Gene said. The team brought her a uniform and the stage was set for her return. On November 21, 2024, Gene put on the Merrill cheer uniform once again and joined the current squad for a routine at Candlestone, much to the joy of fellow residents and community employees. “You are only as old as you feel,” Gene said. “I may be 97, but when I was cheering, I felt 17 again.”
“It was heartwarming, it was amazing to watch,” Kati said. The performance was part of StoryPoint’s Dream Big initiative — a program that brings resident dreams to life. Gene’s moment was a moving tribute to legacy, youthfulness, and unwavering spirit.
Shine Every Day at StoryPoint Group Communities
Residents like Gene Doehring are what make StoryPoint Group communities such a special place to live. Whether you or your family member enjoy cheerleading, skydiving, or driving race cars, our Life Enrichment Directors will be there to help make the most of each day. For more information about how you can be a part of the StoryPoint Group family, visit the community nearest you today or call 1-844-275-9990.
