The Brownwood High School Lionettes attended the American Dance/Drill Team (ADTS) camp at Tarleton State University June 19-21, 2026. Throughout the camp, attendees worked on learning and improving dance routines, enhancing technique skills, and team building. By the end of the weekend, the BHS Lionettes earned multiple awards and honors. The team earned a Diamond Sweepstakes award for presenting and competing in three dance routines. Each team receives the option to compete with one, two, or three routines. “We always choose three,” said BHS Lionettes Director Kacey Humphries. “This means that these girls spent three weeks creating, choreographing, teaching, and fine tuning the home routine. We will showcase the home routine at Meet this Lions this year.”

The ADTS websites states, “It is our philosophy to offer dancers a camp experience with a non-competitive atmosphere, where learning is a priority, and where the awards system is a positive reinforcement for hard work and good attitudes. Dance Evaluation will be held on the final afternoon of camp and will be a chance for dancers to perform as a team, one or two of the routines they have learned at camp (including camp dance) for final evaluation. Teams will be judged on a Standard of Excellence (not competing against other teams) for a Divisional rating.” The team was recognized on Friday as the “Most Admired Team of the Day,” an award voted on by all of the teams at the camp. The Lionettes were then voted the “All-American Dance Team of the Day” by the camp instructors on Saturday. This accomplishment earns them the opportunity to perform in the Disneyland Parade in April. “All American Team of the Week” was also awarded to the BHS Lionettes. “We were awarded this because we had the most discipline, outstanding performance all week, and personal enthusiasm,” Humphries said. Teams who earn this award exhibit excellent discipline, performance, and spirit. Their ratings accumulated to “Grand Champion Team” for the entire camp, tying with the Granbury Stowaways as the top camp teams. Each Lionette received a ribbon and certificate of achievement, and the team earned trophies for these group recognitions.

Individually, the team earned multiple awards. “If a member earns a red ribbon, then she is allowed to attend the Disneyland Parade as an individual if the team is not able to go as a whole,” Humphries said. Students who earn a red ribbon are eligible to audition for All American Dance/Drill Team® and Jr. All American. Students who receive this honor are announced at the Awards Ceremony on the last afternoon of camp and receive a ribbon, certificate, and information for special performances to acknowledge the group they were chosen for. All American winners from the Lionettes were Natalia Ramos (captain of the Lionettes) and Ariana Staggs (a Lieutenant for the Lionettes). Honorable Mentions were Macallister Long, Allyannah Rodriguez, and Natalie Zamora (Lieutenant for the Lionettes). Mia Salazar won Jr. All America, considered a junior because she is a freshman. Natalia Ramos also won an Outstanding Performer award for her dedication to her team.

Drill teams use a variety of dance styles, such as jazz, hip hop, military, contemporary, lyrical, or kick. "Kick Company (or simply ‘Kick’) often refers to a designated, specialized group within the broader drill team or dance ensemble,” Humphries said. “Members are recognized for their mastery of high-kick technique and performance during competitive camps.” Mya McVicker was awarded a spot on Kick Company.

“I think that this upcoming year is going to be one for the books and I am thoroughly excited to see this group of ladies grow into a stronger, unified group of individuals who will make lasting memories,” Humphries said. “We have twelve seniors this year on the team. That is a ton of experience, dancing ability, and technique that they can contribute to the underclassmen of the team. I have been blessed with another round of amazing officers who not only have high academic achievements, but they have set the bar for what it means to be a Lionette extremely high. The current members have already made leaps and bounds towards that goal and will continue to strive to reach the expectations that have been set before them. I am absolutely looking forward to this year and cannot wait to see what they come up with next!”