Shorewood Drill and Dance Competition

Part of the SW team gather before  performing. Photo by Stellah Kang

T-Bird spirit was running high as the award-winning Shorewood High School Drill Team hosted its annual Drill and Dance Competition on December 4. 

Singing the National Anthem. Photo by Linda Delgado.

Team members and their families transformed the Shorewood gymnasium into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and giant snowflakes. Coaches, team members and fans from the 22 schools who participated in the competition all raved about the beautiful decorations, delicious food, exciting gift baskets, lovely flowers and warm and friendly hospitality.

“I am so grateful for all the hard work the families put into helping make the day a success. I am so proud of the girls in how hard they worked and what great hostesses they were. I was overwhelmed by the record breaking attendance,” Coach Kathy Ross said.

l to r. Coaches Marty Hansen, Tiffany Bliss, 
Laura Kinzel and Kathy Ross
Photo by Stellah Kan

It takes many hours of preparation to make this event the highly successful fundraiser that it is every year. Coach Ross begins working on the planning and coordinating of the competition three months in advance. Proceeds help offset the cost of participating in the annual state competition, as well as the Victoria Day Parade.

Many of you have seen the team perform at home football and basketball games and a variety of school events and assemblies. This hardworking, conscientious and competitive team practices year round to prepare for their performances and competitions. The team took second place in the military category at last year’s WIAA State Competition. They are admired by other teams, not only for their quality performances, but for their spirit and sportsmanship as well.

Final pose of Shorewood exhibition performance.  Photo by Stellah Kang.

As the hosting team, Shorewood Drill chose not to compete in its own competition. Instead, they put on a stunning exhibition performance for the crowd to start off the event. Led by co-captains Christa Lee, Clara Lam and Mel Wonser, they performed a military routine.

The winners from the 33 routines that competed from the 22 schools represented were:

• Military: 1st – Decatur, 2nd – Newport, 3rd – Hazen, 4th – Lake Washington
• Pom: 1st – Eastlake, 2nd – Lake Washington, 3rd – Federal Way
• Hip Hop: 1st – Shorecrest, 2nd – Heritage, 3rd – Emerald Ridge
• Dance: 1st – Edmonds Woodway
• Kick/Flag: 1st – Shorewood Flags
• Sportsmanship Award: Liberty 

SW Moms with gift baskets. Photo by Stellah Kang.

“I was thrilled with the caliber of teams who attended our event,” commented Coach Ross. Congratulations to all the teams who participated for their accomplishments and for their dedication and commitment to the excellence of the sport.

--Reported by Sheri Ashleman