Panthers win team and solo State championships

     With two state team championships, a solo state title and a runner-up spot, the Monticello High School dance team excelled at the Iowa State Dance Team Championships Dec. 2 at Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines.

     Kelsey Adams became the first Panther dancer in school history to win a solo state title when she won the Class V division out of 63 solos. Teammate Claire Tuetken was the runner-up in the category.

     From a team standpoint, the Panthers won the Lyrical Class II state title with 91.25 points, with runner-up Sergeant Bluff-Luton totaling 87.5 points. Monticello also won in Pom Class VII with 94.38 points. PCM of Monroe was second with 89.38.

     “The amount of hard work and preparation this team has put toward perfecting their performances is commendable,” Panther head coach Amanda Hackney said. “I am so proud of them. These girls deserve it.”

     Four other Panther soloists finished in the top 20 at State: Myra Wilson, fifth place; Kendra Davis, ninth; Leah Smith, 10^th, and Kaylin Noll, 17^th.

     Annie Schlarmann was able to participate in the Beyond Limits solo category.

     “She got a standing ovation, and we are so very proud of her,” Hackney said.

     Panther dance also received a distinguished academic achievement award with a team grade-point average above 3.5.

     Hackney is assisted by Andrea Rundle.

     “We couldn’t do this without the continuous support of the community and the administration of Monticello,” Hackney said.