STEP INTO SUCCESS

Adviser: Drill team hones routines, sets example

SAN MARCOS

The Taylor Hi-Steppers rose to the challenge during a recent summer camp where the drill team claimed two prestigious awards while getting ready for the 2025-26 season, their adviser said.

Formed more than 50 years ago at Taylor High School, the team with its yearround program centered on dance attended the Crowd Pleasers Dance Line Camp the third week in June.

“On the final day, the team hit the floor with confidence and performed a standout routine they learned at camp. Their hard work and dedication paid off—they earned a High Gold rating and took home the Precision Award,” said Hi-Steppers adviser Victoria Reyes.

Hi-Stepper leaders, who auditioned for their positions, attended officer camp to hone their leadership skills. During team camp, all Hi-Steppers collaborated on techniques and learned new dances for upcoming performances.

During the school year, the Hi-Steppers will perform at football games, basketball matches and other school and community events.

When not performing in the fall, the Hi-Steppers learn new dances to prepare for contest season, which begins in February.

“These are more challenging dances and range in many different styles,” Reyes said.

During the 202425 academic year, the Hi-Steppers performed three contest dances in the styles of jazz, contemporary and pom, the latter being a highenergy showcase blending jazz, hip-hop and cheerleading often using pompoms as props.

The students compete against schools in the same division, both in size and skill level. While the Hi-Steppers excelled in all contests, at their second challenge in Austin the team won first place in jazz, first runner-up in contemporary and second runner-up for pom, educators said.

“They also received second runner-up Grand Champion, Judges Award and Challenge Elite award,” Reyes said.

Social and line officers earned awards for their performances and four team members placed as soloists. Briley Gardner, who was also elected to be the Hi-Steppers cocaptain for the 2025-26 school year, received a first-place rating and Solo Champion.

With 24 team members and one manager, Reyes said the expectations for the program are high both on and off the dance floor. Reyes is a former Hi-Stepper and said she understands the challenges the team faces.

In addition to being precision dancers who constantly practice, the students are expected to maintain good grades, be a role model for others and represent the school and community with pride.

Reyes said the young women on her team inspire her to be a better person.

“I love what I do because of them,” she said.

She also wants to instill in them the skills to be good citizens and good women.

“I try to give them as much responsibility as I can and I’ve never seen them fail yet. They rise,” Reyes said.