By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
When the Stingerettes perform, they command attention. On a football field, in a parade, at a pep rally or wherever, 22 members of the Athens High School drill team are always dressed sharply and choreographed to impress. And impress they do.
“In a normal week, we average between 20 to 25 hours of practice and performance,” said Drill Team Director Amanda McLean.
The girls work hard to achieve the skill and uniformity that is apparent in every performance. That skill was apparent last month when they participated in the Showtime Dance Competition in Mansfield. The Stingerettes brought home eight awards: first division trophy, two best-in-categories, two best-in-category runners-up, overall judges award, the sweepstakes trophy and the overall champions circle trophy for small team high schools. That last award qualifies them to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City this year, if money can be raised for the trip.
“We hopped up when they announced us,” said Megan Rivers, one of four drill team officers. “There were some screams.”
“Oh, yes. There were screams,” agreed fellow officer Tori McDonald. “We had been there all day, and we were excited.”
Senior Viviana Contreras, who along with Mikayla Hall is also an officer, has been a drill team member since her freshman year, and she believes the Stingerettes receive more respect as dancers and athletes than when she first joined.
“I love doing this,” said Contreras. “It’s a place where I can be myself and express myself as a person and a dancer.” However, she notes, it’s crucial to manage time wisely and set priorities in order to keep up academic performance along with artistic performance. “It’s a very good learning experience,” she said.
McLean, who also works as the counselors’ secretary at the high school, is in her second year as drill team director. Before going to work for the school district, her experience had been utilized several times over the years by providing choreography for AHS musicals. McLean took years of tap, jazz and twirling classes in her youth and later taught dance at a studio. In high school at Brownsboro, she was a member of the drill team and went on to be a dance captain with Tyler Junior College’s renowned Apache Bells. She uses that experience all the time.
“If a girl has coordination and rhythm, I can train her,” said McLean.
Tryouts to join next school year’s drill team recently wrapped with the addition of a few more girls than those who are graduating, bringing the upcoming team total to 24.
“I love doing this, and the girls do, too,” said McLean of her work with the Stingerettes. “… This gives them a healthy, creative outlet. It promotes self-confidence, self-esteem and ladylike attitudes. And, of course, we’re able to promote school spirit and Hornet pride.”