Waukegan Y launches drill team program this winter
Lake County Family YMCA is stepping up to provide a new drill team experience in the Waukegan area. Troy Smith, director of the North Chicago-based National Champion Jazz Steppers, and members of his award-winning team will participate in a Dec. 3 program showcase at Northern Lake YMCA, 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan, to preview the exciting new activity he's starting there in January.
Smith, a 1990-92 alumnus of the now-defunct Angel Drill Team and one of its very few male members, formed the National Champion Jazz Steppers in 1999. Since then the team has won numerous awards including seven national championships. Its most recent national championship was achieved last year in Atlanta. Smith now wants to offer this opportunity to more boys and girls ages 7 through 13 by forming a Northern Lake YMCA team.
“Someone gave me a chance to learn, travel and broaden my life,” said Smith in referring to Nathaniel Hamilton, the former Navy chief and drill instructor who retired earlier this year after leading the legendary Angel Drill Team for 44 years. “My purpose now is to pass along an opportunity for more kids in this area to believe in themselves.”
Northern Lake YMCA Program Director Phil Tensley had felt a drill team would be a perfect fit in light of the Y's commitment to youth development and is pleased that Smith will be leading the project. It's expected the Y team will focus on basic training the first year – possibly appearing in some local events such as parades. After that, the team could advance to entering some competitive events.
Drill teams instill discipline through routine and stepping. Additional benefits, according to Smith, include participation in structured activities such as raising the funds necessary to travel to and participate in the various levels of competition.
More information about the new drill team opportunity will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Northern Lake YMCA and also during the upcoming registration for winter programs there.
All Lake County Family YMCA programs are designed to encourage the four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. For more information, visit www.ymcalakecounty.org or call (847) 367-6797.
The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Founded in 1892 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills, Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan and Early Head Start in Waukegan.