The Quinlan Ford High School, Internationally known Blue Belle Drill Team, participated in the 2017 National Championships held at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas on March 24-26. For the first time, since the program was established in 1969, the Blue Belles earned the Overall Grand Champion Team Title at a National level. “The team has won many National titles in different categories throughout the years, but never the overall title,” said Blue Belle Assistant Director, April Carter. The Belles competed in six Team Routines and two Solos.
This is my first year with the Belles, said Amanda Apac, Blue Belle Director. Throughout the year, Mrs. Carter and myself instilled in the girls the importance of team work and sisterhood. They learned to push each other and to surpass the limitations they set upon themselves. They did this with passion and grace. To say that I am proud of them would definitely be an understatement. They have progressed leaps and bounds and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for our program. I could not have asked for a better group of girls.
The Blue Belles won:
- National Champions in Kick
- National Champions in Pom
- National Champions in Modern
- National Champions in Jazz
- National Champions in Open
- 2nd place in Novelty
- Supreme award for their Modern routine (the highest score of the entire competition in this category)
- National Grand Champion Team
To earn National Grand Champion Team, they had to compete in at least three Team routines and the highest combined score of three team routines wins the Overall National Grand Champion Team. The point spread between the Belles and the 2nd Place team in the Overall was thirteen points!
“The Belles have worked so hard leading up to Nationals. They worked many hours in the dance room, in addition to keeping up with their academics. Several girls were accepted into the National Honor Society. The Belles have made history this year as the first team in 48 years to win National Grand Champion team at Nationals. Their blood, sweat and tears have paid off tremendously for them. I am so proud of each and every one of our girls. They have represented Quinlan and their community with pride," said Carter.
I would like to thank Central Office for their amazing gift to the ladies right before we set out to the National competition in Galveston, Texas. The beautiful spreadsheet with pictures of the girls and uplifting comments from each member at the office really moved the girls and made them feel supported and confident. This was a huge win for all of us here at QISD!
Amanda Apac - FHS Blue Belle Director
April Carter - FHS Blue Belle Assistant Director