by Shelley Bennett
As I loaded up my car to go to Drill Team practice last weekend, I was thinking of all the hours of practice my girls have put in to compete at USA Dance Nationals. It’s not just the hours in class, at Thursday night practice, or on the weekends either, it’s the time at home when they are going over counts in their head or sitting at their desk practicing their footwork.
It’s too much to count, honestly.
Not to mention the hours my captain put in every year as they learn, teach, clean the dance, make corrections, and keep the team on track. I have been blessed with incredible captains and this year Cori, Julienne, and Kylee are driven to get their team ready to compete.
Then I thought about the other students are also preparing to represent Lassen High School at an event or competition. We’ve got the LHS Drumline leaving next week to perform at Disneyland! This hasn’t happened since the 80s!
Our FFA teams are gone almost every weekend at regional events all leading up to their state competition. At the recent UC Davis Field Day, the Advanced parliamentary Procedure team won first, with Abby Vincent awarded high chairman and Julia Bruce high chair.
Many students from FBLA will also represent their local club at the state level, competing in April.
Our cheerleaders also competed at the JAMZ Nationals in January, bringing home an impressive 4th place finish!
Every single one of those students has put in countless hours preparing, practicing, and studying to do their best. They fit this in between their hours in class, studies, chores at home, and work. Some are involved in more than one organization and that really takes a balancing act.
And what about the fundraising?! Our community has generously donated tens of thousands of dollars to these clubs and organizations! From candy bars to blankets to raffle tickets, Lassen County has bought them all to support our local kids.
Thank you so much for always opening your wallets. We wouldn’t be able to offer these amazing opportunities without your financial assistance.
If you know one of these kids who are getting ready to compete, check on them in the next week or so. They’re probably tired, overwhelmed, and a little nervous. It’s time to wish them luck and send them on their way. They are going to do us proud.
They’ll represent LHS and they may come home with awards and accolades, plaques and trophies. But those things will be hung on a wall or put on a shelf and forgotten. The true awards are the friendships they have cultivated through shared meals and hotel rooms, sing a-longs in the van, uncontrollable laughter, private jokes, inspiring talks, overcoming fears, and supporting each other. Those memories last forever.
We’re cheering you on LHS!
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