The 21-hour day the LHHS Highlandettes put in during the Crowd Pleaser Competition, recently held at Timber Creek High School in Ft. Worth, was a whole lot of hard work.

The 43 member team boarded school buses and pulled out of the high school parking lot at 6:15 a.m. on February 20th.

They didn't make it back until 2:00 a.m. the next morning.

But this trip was well worth it! The team returned home with the division title of Grand Champions, in addition to placing in the Winner’s Circle.

Another impressive highlight of the day's winnings were the honors bestowed on Team Pom.

The group received one of only three Crowd Pleaser Entertainment Awards given that day for choreography, as well as Overall Best in Class – and $200 to boot. Soloist Bethany Ford took a 3rd place award for her performance.

Other individual awards included: 1st place for Team Pom; 1st place for Team Jazz; 1st place for Team Novelty; 2nd place for Team Lyrical; 1st place for Officer Jazz; and 2nd place for Officer Novelty.

Meeting the judge’s criteria is no small task for these girls. The 100-point system is broken down into five categories.

Choreography, which includes creativity, originality, transitions, continuity, variety, and musical interpretation, can earn 25 points. Technique earns 25 points and must incorporate flexibility, extension and alignment, leaps, kicks and tricks.

Also worth 25 points is Execution, which tests memory, precision, timing and rhythm, and rounding out the scoring are the categories of Showmanship and Appearance.

Our Lake Highlands Highlandettes and officers all earned 90 points or above, which additionally earned them the Super Sweepstakes Award!

Lauren Turnbull, Director of the 'Dettes, was more than pleased with the day's events.

“The girls did a truly incredible job at the competition, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team and all of their hard work."

"They'll be performing their competition routines at our upcoming Spring Revue, and it's a great opportunity for everyone to come see just how hard these ladies work.”

For more information about the upcoming Highlandette Revue, scheduled for April 23rd and 24th, visit the LHHS Highlandettes website at http://www.highlandettes.com.

And for information about the popular grocery gift cards, that contribute greatly to funding the team, contact Angel Cochran, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 469.593.2100.

Pictured (below left) Bethany Ford, Solo Finalist 2010; and (below right) 'Dettes Director Lauren Turnbull (seated front lower left) celebrates with her team.

Our thanks to Angel Cochran and Becky Ford for the photos.