I can still remember it like it was yesterday....the nerves, the excitement, the new friends, the incredible routines, and the pink eye.  Oh yes, my first encounter with the lovely virus just happened to introduce itself during drill team try out week.  As if being an awkward freshman in high school and trying out for a coveted spot on the High Hats wasn't enough, I had a film over my eyes from the medicine that kept me from seeing the officers as they taught the routines.  On top of that, I couldn't wear any eye makeup and as we ladies of the 80's know.....mascara can make or break you.  At least I could still sport my big bangs - there's always a silver lining.
    So, as the story goes my filmy, makeup-less eyes and I made it through try out week and made it onto the team.  It may not have been the start that I had dreamed of all those years that my mom took me to see the High Hats perform during half-time, but it was a start none the less.  In fact, my drill team career only got better from there.  There were high school football games, Spring Shows, Kick-Off Nights, camps, and competitions.  We won two state titles while I was on the team and I became a Lieutenant my second year and the Captain my senior year.  I learned how to be a leader, how to be disciplined and work hard, and I learned how to be a good friend.  Being a High Hat was an honor and a privilege and my fellow teammates, which were also my best friends, knew and understood that.  I can honestly say that I loved every minute of being a member of my high school drill team.
    I write this because next week many girls will go through the exciting and even grueling Hi-Stepper try-out week in the hopes of finding their name on the list of new members.  I have met and even had the pleasure of teaching several of these girls. They each have wonderful qualities and talents.  They are hard workers, they have positive attitudes and they each have a desire to be a contributing member of a team.  I have watched as their kicks have become higher, their turns have become more solid, their leaps more effortless, and their splits closer to the ground.  In my opinion, they are all worthy and deserving of a spot on the team.  The list of new members would be quite long if I were a judge.....I'd be completely objective, of course.
    Since I can't be there during their audition to coach them or cheer them on, I will just have to offer my support and my prayers from afar.  However, if I were given the opportunity to speak with these girls right before they face the judges, here's what I would say:  "I believe in you!  You are an amazing dancer and an amazing young lady.  Give it your best effort and leave it all on the stage/gym floor!  And if all else fails......point your toes and SMILE!"
    
Break a leg,

Capt. Cammie