Another year with the Step Team has come to an end, and with the seniors getting ready to leave, the team has been reflecting on this past year and the impact that they had on each other, especially the seniors. The team is beyond satisfied with the experiences and memories that they have created this year with each other.
Over the past few years, the Step Team has grown to its largest size yet, with a total of 33 members. This growth has been a significant achievement for the team. As a senior and one of the Step Team captains, Ashley Benfield reflected, “I think our biggest accomplishment was how many people we were able to bring onto the team.”
“This year has been a wonderful experience. The team has grown so much, and we’ve pushed ourselves harder than ever. The energy, dedication, and bond we share made every practice and performance special,” Taisha Balan, another senior on the Step Team, explained.
“It’s bittersweet knowing it’s my last year, but I’m proud of what we accomplished together as a team,” senior and one of the Step Team captains, Olivia Ivy, stated.
When thinking about their most memorable moments, this year’s 85th Annual Junior Varieties was commonly brought up.
“Getting ready for my last Junior Varieties (JVs) was very memorable because I can remember getting ready for my first JVs, and as someone who’s been on the the team for the past four years, it really hits that’s that it’s the last time you’ll be getting ready with your friends and nervous because you’re about to go on stage while everyone uplifts and reassures each other that we’ll do great. I can only hope that I’ll beat a part of a team as loving and accepting as this one in college,” said senior Soleil Mathurin.
“The crowd was hyped, and we nailed every move. Seeing all our hard work come to life on stage and feeling that rush of adrenaline was unforgettable,” Balan stated.
“On the step team, I love our sisterhood and how there’s so much laughter within us. During JVs, we got ready together in Cafeteria B, with music, dancing, pictures, and creating beautiful memories I will forever be grateful for. I love my step-family, and since I’m graduating, I will miss it so much,” senior Dulmiah Amiscar explained.
“Step team made me feel like I belonged, and I’m forever grateful for joining.”
-Dulmiah Amiscar
The Step Team is a great way to meet new people and form long-lasting friendships. The Step Team created this sense of “family and purpose within the team. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence, and it made high school so much more memorable. It’s more than just stepping; it’s about showing up for each other and creating something together,” said Balan.
“It gave me a place where I could be comfortable, and being part of such a dedicated team made my high school years feel more meaningful,” Ivy echoed.
“Without step, I most likely would not have the friends I have now. Coming onto the Step Team in my freshman year, I was so nervous knowing that I had to socialize with new people. But, the people on the team made it everything for me,” voiced Benfield.
This year, the Step Team has accomplished many great things, all while building an even stronger sense of unity that brought them closer as a group. Balan explained that they “faced challenges, but we pushed through and came out stronger. Whether it was mastering a tough routine or supporting each other, we proved what we’re capable of.”
As Graduation Day approaches, the seniors hope the underclassmen have learned valuable lessons about leadership from them. Mathurin hopes that they continue to be genuine and patient because “learning steps isn’t always easy, and it can get frustrating, but it’s important that we don’t take it out on each other.”
“I hope they take away the importance of teamwork and growth. Step has always been a supportive environment for me, and I hope the underclassmen keep that energy going, staying genuine and always supporting one another,” Ivy agreed.
The seniors will forever cherish and appreciate the opportunities and experiences that being on the Step Team has provided for them. “I’ll miss the bond we share and the feeling of stepping with them,” Balan explained. “The people, the inside jokes, the pre-performance huddles, the late night practices, it’s all become such a big part of my life.”
The seniors leave behind one final piece of advice, a lasting message for the underclassmen to carry with them. Senior Zahirr Debel hopes that the step team will remember to “have fun but also strive to be the best versions of themselves.” Ivy agrees and says that it is important for them to “stay balanced and make time to enjoy the experience” and to “take full advantage of the opportunity to grow and have fun because it goes by faster than you think.”
“Stay dedicated and keep pushing yourself; have fun! The work isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Trust your team, enjoy the process, and keep the legacy going,” Balan finished.
