Freshman Year Take 2

Working towards Unity Story by Cici Hunter

Stepping in

front, junior Cierra Rivers performs at Firefest. Rivers has been a part of the Step Team since her freshman year and stayed due to the community she found in it. “Everyone has each other’s backs,” Rivers said. “We can all have fun.” Photo by Addison Driscoll

Step team tackles changes, challenges

As students return to the building after a year of online school, clubs and sports begin to reflourish. The Unity Step Team has come back to life with new changes and activities.

Once known as the Free Steppers of Free State, the Unity Step Team took a big leap last year in combining the group with Lawrence High School participants.

“It was always the hope to have one team, “We it just took awhile for all the pieces of the puzzle to come together,” have sustained coach Audrey Trowbridge said. it together. No Since rebooting the club in 2017 after a drop in participation, Trowbridge said one of the group’s biggest setbacks has been funding. Since the group is officially labeled a club by the district, handouts.”coach Audrey Trowbridge they are responsible for their own finances. Trowbridge said she’s taken on most of the financial burden, paying for uniforms and making

Sophomore Nomso

Enyinnaya performs alongside her teammates during Firefest. Photo by Baya Burgess

the shirts herself. “We, the kids and I, created this opportunity together,” Trowbridge said. “We have sustained it together. No handouts.”

Despite the challenges of a lack of funding, the group has kept spirits high.

With participation increasing and an impending performance at LHS, senior captain Dumebi Enyinnaya has high hopes for the season and members of the group.

Enyinnaya’s goals for the team include winning their upcoming competition. She also hopes to continue the activity in college and is excited about her last year on the team.

“It’s a great experience,” Enyinnaya said. “A lot of people think it is just making sound with your body, but it’s a workout. It’s really exciting to do.”

She isn’t the only one; senior Cierra Rivers has been in the group since her freshman year. She has had nothing but positive experiences with the group for the last three years, which she credits to Trowbridge.

The coach’s efforts in balancing both her personal, work and step life hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by the team. The group’s only hope moving forward is the school notices her hard work as well.

“Step is a place where people can feel welcomed and heard, where people can be comfortable in their own skin and find their voice,“ Rivers said. “[Audrey]Trowbridge helps with that.” FEATURE

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