Deb Rambow

Deb Rambow embodies “Panther Spirit” through her enthusiasm and passion for DeWitt and all its athletic teams.  She took the varsity cheer position in 1985, and her tireless devotion over three decades resulted in building one of the top cheer programs in the state.  The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) began hosting girls’ competitive cheer tournament championships in 1994, but DeWitt did not participate as a MHSAA varsity sport until 2000.  During that time, Rambow had her girls competing at the Michigan Competitive Cheer Association (MCCA) State Competition, and the Panthers earned consecutive MCCA State Runners-up in 1998 and 1999.  Her program consistently performed at a high level, highlighted by third place finishes in Division 2 in 2003 and 2008.  In 2007, the Panthers captured the Regional Championship en route to a State Runner-up finish at the MHSAA finals.  While the 2008 season was her last as the competitive cheer coach, Rambow stayed on to coach sideline cheer from 2009-2015.  During her tenure, Rambow was the district’s biggest cheerleader, starting many of the district’s events that are now long-standing traditions.  She conducted youth cheer clinics, coordinated alumni to cheer during the homecoming game, assigned cheerleaders to greet spectators at the steps of home football games, and organized the all-schools’ tour during homecoming week, which involves football players, cheerleaders, and the band traveling to each of the buildings in the district.  In addition, she orchestrated a school send-off for other athletic teams heading to their own state competition.  Her love of DeWitt students began as a playground and cafeteria aid in 1984, but most of her remaining time was spent working as a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department.  Her warm smile and positive energy boosted the morale within the walls of each of the schools she worked, leaving a long-lasting positive impact on students and staff.