The Bowie Silver Stars are known for their halftime performances at the football games and their dances in the stands, but many people don’t know what they do outside of the stadium.
The Silver Stars are involved in the non-profit organization Champions 4 Children, which sponsors children with rare or undiagnosed diseases and allows them to be an honorary member of a sports team of their choosing.
“Champions 4 Children is a non-profit organization that helps raise funds for children and their families who have rare or undiagnosed diseases,” Silver Star director Jennifer Dawson said.
Kayleigh chose the Silver Stars to join and current captain of the team, Maddie Hacking, couldn’t be happier that she did.
“We were lucky enough to have Kayleigh pick us. Kayleigh is a part of our team and a part of our family,” Hacking said.
Kayleigh goes to the football games and participates with the Silver Stars in the stands and in the victory line.
“She comes to the games in her own uniform, participates in the victory line with us at home games, and sits and dances with us in the stands,” Hacking said.
Dawson believes that Kayleigh’s time spent with the team has positively affected her.
“I think the Silver Stars have helped her by lifting her spirits, and giving her hope that they will find help for her undiagnosed diseases,” Dawson said.
The Silver Stars are holding open auditions from Monday, November 18th to Thursday November 21st after school from 4:30 to 6:30 and many girls are expected to audition.
“We typically have a hundred girls try out and we’re looking for overall technique and performance ability,” Dawson said.
The auditions are meant to showcase a dancer’s many talents as the dancers perform different kinds of routines.
“They learn a kick routine, a jazz routine and then perform in front of a panel of judges,” Dawson said.
Current Silver Stars have been through many auditions and have an understanding of what the girls are feeling before they try out.
“Never underestimate what you’re capable of. It will be hard and there will be things that don’t go perfectly, but potential is something the judges look for,” Hacking said. “Work hard, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and smile.”
Freshman Corin Taylor is motivated to make the Silver Stars team.
“I love to dance and I think it will be a great way to meet more people,” Taylor said. “I also think it would be a great way to get involved and support our school.”