Lake Zurich poms named Grand Champions at state
Submitted by Cathy Dust
The Lake Zurich High School Varsity Poms Squad, led by coaches Theresa Johlie and Melanie Ewanio, ended a successful 2011-12 competition season at the Team Dance Illinois State Championships last Sunday at the Carver Arena in Peoria.
Recently named the North Suburban Conference Champions for 2011-12, the LZHS Pommies were awarded first place in the Division 3A Open Pom category and first place in Division 3A Hip-Hop category at the state competition.
The highest honor came at the end of the evening for the LZHS Pom Squad when their status was elevated to “Grand Champion” for the first time in school history. This title is a result of Lake Zurich’s technical and artistic cumulative scores being higher than any other team that competed in the 3A division at the state level.
Previously, the State Champions competed in the 2012 National Dance Team Championship held by the Universal Dance Association at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 4 and 5. Approximately 300 high schools and all-star dance teams competed at the National Dance team Championship.
The LZHS Poms made it to finals for both their open pom and hip-hop routines, and placed fifth in the nation in the hip-hop category. This is the first time since 2007 that the LZHS Poms have made it into finals in both categories, and it is the highest placement ever for the Lake Zurich team at nationals.
On March 21, the Lake Zurich Poms will host the 15th annual “Mr. Lake Zurich” contest at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Lake Zurich High School. The candidates for the coveted title are senior boys selected by the girls of the senior class.
The ever-popular pageant features the contestants displaying their talents, modeling formal wear, and demonstrating their best pickup lines. Tickets are available at the door.
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