Oak Forest High School Varsity Poms team made school history this weekend at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Finals for Competitive Dance.
Making it to day two of the IHSA State Finals is no easy task, but the OFHS Varsity team was able to make it for the first time in the school’s history, this year.
In order to qualify for State, the girls compete in 1 of the 5 sectional competitions throughout Illinois. Only 30 teams in each division are then allowed to continue to the State competition held in Bloomington, Illinois.
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The 30 State-qualifying teams in each division compete in the preliminary round. The top 10 teams from each division then advance to the final round on day two. This year, the OFHS Varsity Poms team performed an AC/DC themed routine in the 2A Division prelims and took 8th place. After performing in the IHSA State Finals on Saturday, January 31, the team finished in 7th place.
It has been a long-time goal for the girls to make it to “Day 2”, and something they have worked toward since practices began in the summer. Their hard work and dedication has definitely paid off. The team is thankful for all of the support they have received this weekend from JV team members, family, friends, administrators and alumni. After receiving the great news, the team was greeted with many cheers and [happy] tears to end an unforgettable experience.
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The OFHS Poms team is coached by Head Coach Jennifer Klockowski, Assistant Coach Kirstie Bussie and Intern Britta Beardsley. Team members include Tameyah Akins, Elizabeth Arriaga, Abby Barzowski, Jenna Beardsley (Captain), Shannon Clancy, Jenny Colander, Alyssa Garofalo, Kaylee Gillund, Paige Ignatowicz, Karly Kammerer, Grace Kilcommons, Paige Manso, Madison Misheck, Brandy Pace (Captain), Angela Price, and Heidi Schwertfeger.
