The fall semester is still a month away, but the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles are back on campus and gearing up for en exciting year.
This will be the 70th anniversary year for the Belles and Apache Band, and the groups have several performances and events planned to celebrate this milestone.
Apache Belles Director Jasilyn Schaefer said the team spends two weeks each summer learning new routines and preparing for the year’s jam-packed performance schedule.
“It’s a very busy time, but it’s also really special because it’s the first time the new team comes together,” Schaefer said.
Formal Announcements set Friday, Aug. 18
The Apache Belles annual Formal Announcements performance will be held 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in Wise Auditorium on the TJC main campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
“Formal Announcements mark the kickoff to 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.”
In addition to the announcement of the 2017-18 line and officers, the Belles will unveil this year’s high-kick routine and present incoming freshmen with their official Apache Belle necklaces, a memento of their time on the Apache Belles line.
“It’s an emotional time for all and a night of memories and excitement,” Schaefer said.
Introducing the 2017-18 team
Sophomores and members of the 70th line are: Gracie Anderson, Tyler; Krista Bohmann, Forney; Janae Bryner, Tyler; Madison Duvall, Sachse; Kaila Ference, Arlington; Lupita Garza, McAllen; Kendall Hall, Lewisville; Ragan Henderson, Lewisville; Madison Jantzen, Frisco; Bailey Miley, Caddo Mills; Katie Park, League City; Kaitlyn Peacock, Rockwall; Mica Smith, Lewisville; Jasmine Stewart, Mesquite; and Destiny Wright, Arlington.
Freshmen and members of the 71st line are: Avery Beeler, Lindale; Brittany Birdsong, Lindale; Veronica Blue, Euless; Serenity Bolby, Longview; Kayli Brenner, Carrollton; Janya Cook, Paris; Victoria Dangerfield, Arlington; Alexandria De La Cruz, Euless; Bailey Feder, Navasota; Shelby Goldstein, Bastrop; Jenna Gonzalez, Corpus Christi; Amanda Hiles, Tyler; Kayla Hubbard, Chapel Hill; Arianna Joslin, Austin; Gabrielle Leal, Abilene; Victoria Meese, Plano; Kellie Morrow, Flower Mound; Molly Mosby, Rockwall; Jessica Rodriguez, Houston; Skylyr Sanchez, Plano; Ashleigh Belle Smith, Lindale; Kindall Spencer, Denton; Lexie Terry, Tyler; Savannah Tucker, Paris; and Kailyn Waters, Arlington.
Belle Guards are: Jacob Adams, Lake Jackson; Cody Brenner, Carrollton; Matt Jones, Tyler; Darryn Madere, Fort Worth; Cesar Meza, Tyler; and Brandon Mullican, Bullard.
Performing at home and abroad
“Every year is special,” Schaefer said, “but this year will be extra special as the Apache Belles and Band celebrate their 70th anniversary.”
Not only will the team be performing at their annual events including TJC football and basketball games as well as the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade, this year there are a few special appearances.
“The Apache Belles are scheduled to perform at the Tyler Cattle Baron’s Ball, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Parade in January, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Annual Convention in the spring,” she said.
“As we travel the state, we look forward to hosting receptions for our Apache Belle and Apache Band alumni in the various hubs in which we perform and generating excitement and sharing the renderings of the proposed, new Apache Belles and Band Complex.”
In spring 2018, the Apache Belles will travel to Costa Rica, where they will perform at three different venues, including an international soccer game, a seaside amphitheater performance, and a cultural exchange and performance with students from a local dance academy.
Plans are also in the works for a visit to Liberia, Tyler’s sister city in Costa Rica.
“International travel is such a fantastic way to enrich our students’ college experiences and expand their minds,” Schaefer said. “Textbooks are great, but there’s no substitute for being able to help our students experience the world firsthand.
“It’s a life-changing experience that we’ve been proud to offer our students for many years.”
For more information, go to tjc.edu/belles.