The Tyler Junior College Apache Belles recently kicked off their 77th year with their annual Formal Announcements performance.
The Apache Belles are under the direction of Jasilyn Schaefer. Artistic director and choreographer is Christy Evans, and Lilly Capetillo is specialist.
Schaefer, Evans and Capetillo are all former Apache Belles themselves.
“Formal Announcements mark the official beginning of our year,” Schaefer said, “and it’s the Apache Belles’ first public performance of the season. For the sophomores, it is their time to step into their role as new leaders of the team; and for the freshmen, it marks the ceremonial beginning of their journey as an Apache Belle.”
Officers for the year include: Malerie Clifton, head dance captain, Huntington; dance captains, Audra Nance, Hallsville; Olivia Anderson, Lake Dallas; Rylee Schultz, Lindale; and Sara Bauer, Rowlett.
In addition to the introduction of the 2024-25 team, Friday’s event featured the live announcement of officers of the 77th line and the debut of this year’s high-kick routine. Freshmen also received their official Apache Belle necklaces, a memento of their time on the Apache Belles line.
“It’s an emotional time for everyone and a night of memories and excitement,” Schaefer said.
Schaefer also announced that, after 13 years, she is stepping down as Apache Belles director, effective Aug. 31.
“I love the Apache Belles and believe in and support the mission of this organization. Serving as director has been the experience of a lifetime,” she said. “The decision was wholeheartedly committed to prayer. I have a great peace about this direction for my life, and I am excited to spend time with my family, who have provided support as I have served TJC and the Apache Belles.”
Introducing the 2024-25 team
Sophomores and members of the 77th line: Olivia Anderson, Lake Dallas; Sara Bauer, Rowlett; Ariana Carrizales, Houston; Malerie Clifton, Huntington; Avery Ginn, Tyler; Madison Gonzalez, Katy; Averi Johnson, Longview; Justice Johnson, Houston; Hannah Lang, Huffman; Zoe Lawson, Mequite; Maysen Lester, Boerne; Kandice Lopez, Houston; Akayla Manning, Tyler; Alaina Martin, Murphy; Madison McDonald, Kerrville; Audra Nance, Hallsville, Chesney Pipkin, Hallsville; Joselyn Quinones, Mesquite; Rachel Renner, Denton; Mireya Reynolds, Houston; Kiley Ryza, Hutto; Rylee Schultz, Lindale; Hannah Scott, Kerrville; and Mackenzie Spencer, Lake Dallas.
Freshmen and members of the 78th line: Abigail Aguilar, Katy; Macy Beeler, Lindale; Jadelyn Chavez, Arlington; Emily Cheng, Frisco; Riley D’Elana, McKinney; DeLayna Deer, Midlothian; Jorja Flake, Tyler; Valerie Hahn, Sealy; Trinity Haynie, Justin; Litzy Hernandez, Carrollton; Katie Hinch, White Oak; Emily Ibarra, Denton; Brooklyn King, Mansfield; Kaitlyn Martin, Katy; Shelby Mason, Sacramento, California; Emmarie Morrow, Palestine; Kalyn O’Connor, Longview; Reese Phillips, Wiley; Paige Phlieger, Forney; Natalia Rawlinson, Mansfield; and Eliana Sandhir, Frisco.
For more information, go to ApacheBelles.com.