Courtesy of The Sparkle Effect The now-23-year-old grew up watching her brother, Charlie Cronk, 24, who is on the autism spectrum, struggle socially, especially when he started high school.

Medina County is home to three Sparkle Effect cheering squads that practice inclusion for students with disabilities. Medina City schools, Highland schools and Brunswick schools have programs.

The positive effect it had on her community led her to take it to other high schools and colleges with her nonprofit, The Sparkle Effect. Sarah Cronk wanted to include students of all abilities on ...