Young North Fork Step Dancers Win Big At Ireland World Championships

NORTH FORK, NY — Four young step dancers who've spent years honing their crafts made the North Fork proud as they scored in a big way on the international canvas in Ireland this weekend.

Four students from the Vernon Academy of Irish Dance in Mattituck wowed the judges as they participated in the World Championships of Irish Step Dancing, held in Athlone, Ireland.

Participating were Payton Scudder, 12, Noelle Stevenson, 13, Evan Huber, 13, and Kate Foley, 18.

All three girls won the second-place in the world honors, with Payton competing in the under-12 category, Noel, in the under 14/15, and Kate, in the 15 and over group.

The group, who returns back to the North Fork Monday, reflected on the experience.

Kyleen Vernon Lademann, owner of Vernon Academy of Irish Dance in Mattituck, said: "It is an honor representing the North Fork of Long Island. Knowing how hard my students work and seeing them stay true to themselves is tantamount to all their successes at home and abroad. We can't wait to return home, having shown our dedication and skills on the stage."

Vernon Lademann, who was born and raised in Jamesport, said hometown roots run deep. "We are blessed to be in Athlone, Ireland but more so coming home with evidence of the Vernon Academy's work ethic," she said.

Virginia Scudder, mom of Payton, added: "Payton has been dancing since she was four-and-a-half years old. Her love of the art of Irish dance, I've seen every day when she wears her dancing shoes. We are so proud of her work and proud of Miss Kyleen for being the best and only Irish dance studio on the North Fork."

Kate added: "It's a great experience meeting people and the competition is always fun!"

Payton said she loves Irish dance. "We hope to make the North Fork proud," she said. "Dance is in my blood!"

And, said Noelle, "It's an honor representing Vernon Academy."