by Shelley Bennett
It took a week and at least four after-school naps, but I think I am finally caught up on my sleep! Our trip to USA Dance Nationals was everything I had dreamed for my team.
Like many things in life, I found that it wasn’t about the final destination or reward at all, it was about the journey we took to get there.
I have watched these dancers push themselves with challenging choreography, balance all of their obligations, and experience both frustration and triumph.
I have also watched friendships being formed and strengthened, leaders becoming more confident, and pride spread across their faces as the steps of a dance become second nature.
It would have been nice, but it’s not about the trophy at all. It’s about the support shown from our school and community as we left town. The rest of the team saying good bye and wishing them good luck.
The members of law enforcement who took time to escort us through the red lights with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
It’s about seeing Emily’s face anticipate her first flight on an airplane. The memories made with the best flight attendant as he teased the girls about “doing a drill” and passed out wings at the end of the flight.
It’s about watching Morgan help our shuttle driver with the luggage, even when she didn’t feel good. Liv texting me that they were “in love” with their luxurious hotel suite. Mary, Amelie, and Bailee in the rooftop hot tub.
It’s about the team coming together to support each other before going onstage. Mariah finding her voice and spreading positivity. Elizabeth encouraging her teammates from the sidelines because she is injured and couldn’t dance. Kylee and Julienne and their terrifying (in a good way) facials.
It’s about Joyce and Keely having moments to shine in our hip hop. Madi breaking out of her comfort zone and Alexa practicing lyrical until the very last moment. The team’s cheering backstage after the realization sunk in. They did it. They killed it!
It’s about taking a picture in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle with the whole team. Hailey’s first time at Disneyland with her sister McKayla. Camber and Kaylee sending silly snapchats while they wait in lines. Watching the fireworks with Sofia and Renee.
Thank you again to all of you who helped us get there. Our dream came true.
In other good news, two Lassen High School football players committed to play at Butte College in the ball. Both Ben Wheeler and Connor McCloskey were celebrated by their families and staff as they announced they will be joining the Roadrunners.
Counselor Micah Freeman introduced the two and gave some opening remarks from Butte’s coach Robbie Snelling. Butte has played in 36 bowl games and prides itself on placing a number of their players with D-1 schools.
Freeman noted that Wheeler and McCloskey join some talented Lassen alumni such as Richard Murphy, Chandler Monahan, Kyle Barnetche, and Tucker St. Andre as they don the black and gold. He gave thanks to Athletics Secretary Carol Kramer for organizing the event.
Coach Jason McCloskey presented Ben with a patch for being named First-Team Defense All-State Linebacker. This honor was last earned by Ben’s late father Ben Wheeler during the “Untouchables” era of LHS Football.
Coach McCloskey said that he has enjoyed coaching both Ben and Connor and hopes that their stint at Butte leads to an athletic scholarship so they can continue their education.
Connor was joined by mom Lindsey, dad Jason, and brothers Jacob and Luke as he signed his commitment paper. He grabbed a football-shaped cookie made by Dawn Lightsey before he rushed off to golf practice.
Ben was surrounded by mom Anna and her partner Shane, stepmom Kayla, and a whole crew of loving siblings: Elijah and Brody Wheeler, Jeremiah Townsend, Peyton Cantu, and Kane and Dallas Barnes. Many family members, friends, and coaches were also in attendance to show their love and support.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
