Betty Lou Cummings turns 80 years old today.
In honor of that milestone, here is an “06880” post from 2011. Nothing says “Betty Lou” better than this.
Generations of Westporters know Betty Lou Cummings as Westport’s #1 cheerleader.
Whether serving as 2nd selectman or leading projects like the Apple Festival, Riverwalk or library’s River of Names, Betty Lou is a big civic booster.
Some Westporters know that Betty Lou’s enthusiasm comes naturally: She was a cheerleader at Michigan State.
What many don’t know is that she was 1 of the first female cheerleaders there — or in the entire Big 10.
Recently, Betty Lou returned to her native state. The occasion was bittersweet — she and her husband Tom said goodbye to his mother, who died recently at 103 — but she also stopped by her alma mater’s alumni association.
When they heard her history, they taped her — for their archives, and YouTube.
In 1954, Betty Lou says, 200 students tried out for the cheerleading squad. Only 6 were chosen. Four — like her — were blonde.
“We were famous all over Michigan,” she says. Nearly all cheerleaders at the time were male.
In the video, she talks about her work with Westport’s Senior Center. Every Super Bowl Sunday, she leads cheers at the annual party — with her green and white Spartans pompoms.
She also says that instead of accompanying the squad to the Rose Bowl, she got married. Her father objected: She could get married any time — but there was only one Rose Bowl.
At the end of the video, Betty Lou gives a rousing Michigan State cheer.
She hasn’t lost a beat.
What a wonderful surprise this morning when I clicked on 06880 like I do every day….thank you so much Dan for the wishes..I had a great 80th celebration in Ocean City New Jersey recently…80 is wonderful!!! much love and thanks Dan, Betty Lou Cummings.
Happy 80th Birthday to you, Betty! I enjoyed the video very much.
Betty Lou is one of a kind! All the best.
-Dan & Laura Lasley
Happy Birthday Betty Lou. Thank you for all that you do.
Happy Birthday Betty Lou!!! (In case you don’t recognize my married name, it’s Judi Crowley!) I think, as a tidbit of trivia, you were also a winner on the Price is Right! Am I correct? 😉
Thanks Judi…yes I was on the Price is Right in 1964 for 4 days…I sure do remember you Judi…hugs, Betty Lou
We ave been gone from Westport 19 years but it is good to hear that some things never change there like Betty Lou.
Happy Birthday Betty Lou. You’ve always made a difference in the lives of others and your community.
Dan…I should have remarked I did go to the Rose Bowl finally January, 1, 2014…and Michigan State won!!! They bet Stanford and my son Mark and wife were with us and loved that we were together for the win…it was wonderful…and I could tell my Dad in heaven, I finally got there!!! Betty Lou Cummings..