Dakota’s Junior Varsity dance team got first place for their pom routine at nationals. This took place in Orlando, Florida on February 20^th, for the 2021-2022 season. Thursday September 29^th was the long-awaited ring ceremony that the dancers were anticipating. Prior to the JV football game, against Romeo High School, the dancers were announced by name. As each dancer was called out by the announcer, they received their ring. This was a great way to honor each dancer and all the effort they put into this win.

These girls worked hard all year round to be able to achieve this win. Their main goal throughout the entirety of the season was to win first place at nationals and to beat their competitors. These dancers would not have been able to do this without their coach, Maddie Ferlecki. She is an outstanding coach, and she leads her team to great achievements each year. This was her third year consecutively coaching a team that won 1^st place for the pom category at the Dance Team Union National Championship.

This event was not only a good way to honor the dancers but also a way for them to meet as a team one last time. The previous juniors, now seniors, all enjoyed the occasion because it felt just like old times. They felt like they were back on the team again and loved spending times with their old teammates and coach.

Question: “how does it feel to get your second ring?”

Answer: “It feels very rewarding, and it feels that all of my hard work has paid off.” -Anna Braniff

Question: “How do you feel after your first national title?”

Answer: “I feel very excited and happy to have been able to be apart of this team.”- Kendall Cool

Question: “What did this win mean to you”

Answer: “I would say it is one of my biggest accomplishments in life. I put in a lot of my time and effort into this team and it paid off, it’s an immense relief.” -Ryenne Ashworth

People pictured: Maddie Ferlecki, Anna Braniff, Emily Verkeyn, Payton Rettich, Ryenne Ashworth, Hailey Leija, Alayna Vanpamel, Kennedy Pring, Kendall Cool, Juliana Bogojevski, Ella Galasso, Gabby Zielinski, Jane Konior, and  Reagan Cervone.

Not pictured: Melayna Gargasoulas and Katie Hagyard