A STEP IN TIME: Pearl River Central High School Blue Angels practice their jazz routine that won them first place at the MHSAA state championship.
Photo by Alexandra Hedrick

The Pearl River Central High School Blue Angels dance team is Jazz State Champions after placing first in the jazz category at the MHSAA state competition.

The Blue Angels traveled to Jackson in January to compete in the MHSAA state competition.

Besides placing first in the jazz category, which qualified them for Nationals, they also placed second in the pom category, said Sadie Penton, the Blue Angels coach.

Penton said that even though they qualified for Nationals, they wouldn’t be able to attend because of funding.

“This is my first year as coach and I came in with the mindset of setting a high standard and my goal was to win state,” Penton said. “We spent hours perfecting and planning our dances. The girls worked incredibly hard and they shared the same goal as me.”

The Blue Angels start practicing for competition in September, Penton said

Penton said it was “like a dream come true” winning the MHSAA state championship.

“We give glory to God for all our success this year,” Penton said.

The Blue Angels competition team is comprised of 17 members.

The competition dance team members are: Abby Russell, Abby Unbehagen, Alyssa Lee, Ashlyn Lossett, Becca Lowery, Brynn Al-Jabi, Cameron Steelman, Chaise Gilbert, Faith Baucum, Hannah Ingram, Jade Long, Jessie Besanson, Jonna Tomei, Katie Wilcox, Kortney Smith, Kristi Smith and Kylie Ballard.