Senior Communication major and Buffalo Jill, Stefanie Jannotti, returns from the Middle East
Local Pride spreads worldwide
By Shelby Little, Features Editor
The Medaille Perspective
April 2, 2011
Stefanie Jannotti, Senior Communication major, places her passion on the sideline; the stadium sideline. Jannotti dreams of becoming an NFL Sideline Reporter for ESPN, and credits the Bills as a major reason she likes Buffalo. Jannotti is also a fifth year Buffalo Jill cheerleader.
“As a Buffalo Jill, I am given many responsibilities,” said Jannotti. “During the season I have to complete a minimum of 20 appearances in a wide variety of functions for numerous charities, community events, our armed forces and local businesses.” Jannotti was trained in professional etiquette to prepare for meet and greets, posing for photographs, dance performances, and working with children; just a few of the common duties for a Jill.
Recently, her spot on the Jill roster led her to Kuwait, Oman, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia to visit and entertain stationed troops. Jannotti, along with eight fellow Jills, performed a show that included six dances, various trivia games, and the occasional dance-off. “We are able to get the guys and girls over there to loosen up, have fun, and take their minds off things for a little while,” said Jannotti. “It’s a ton of fun!” Fun, but tiring; the Jills were on a taxing schedule that required back to back performances, with little time for rest. “One of the days we were in Abu Dhabi we performed at 8 p.m. and then came out and did another show at 1 am for the people that were on the clock for the 1st show,” said Jannotti. “Although these trips take a lot out of us, it is a huge honor and it’s the least we can do for the men and women over there.”
In turn, the honor proved to be rewarding for Jannotti because she was able to connect with the troops on a personal level; allowing her to gain as much from the experience as she gave. “The men and women over there are so respectful and so eager to share stories and pictures of their families back home,” said Jannotti. “My favorite part of the show is at the end when we all introduce ourselves and tell a little about what we do back home.” The open-ended communication gave Jannotti the opportunity to challenge the preconceived notion of a cheerleader, and bond on a real level. “The biggest misconception about being a cheerleader is that all we do is cheer, and aren’t the brightest,” said Jannotti. “But the majority of us are either in school, or have full time jobs.”
The education was reciprocated, and Jannotti was able to take a peek into the full time job of a troop; every day life. “We get to live like they do for a week or so,” said Jannotti. The Jills stayed in tents for three days and flew commercially almost every other day.
The short time spent with the troops as a Buffalo Jill left a lasting impact on Jannotti, and reinforced the pride she associates with being part of the team. “It is also nice to know that you were able to make some kind of a difference no matter how small,” said Jannotti. “It is an amazing feeling when I see the e-mails and facebook posts on the Jills wall from the men and women over there, and sometimes even their family back home.”
Such experiences make Jannotti appreciate the ties she has formed with her teammates. “The Buffalo Jills are a second family to me, and it is amazing to know that a lot of these girls will be life long friends,” she said. Traveling the world, making a difference, lifelong friends…another perk for Jannotti? “How can I forget, it’s pretty amazing getting a perfect up close ‘seat’ to my favorite team!”
