As a close-knit and team-oriented group of girls, the Bob Jones Patriettes Dance Team was excited to welcome five new members to its family. “It’s great being a Patriette because you become a family doing what you love,” said freshman Abbey Harris, one of five girls who auditioned for a spot on the team last April. The freshmen were overwhelmed with joy when they found out that they had made the team. “Trying out was scary at first, but the older girls helped, ” said freshman, Emma Pointer.

Being the new girls on the team, the freshmen have to live up to many expectations. “It’s intimidating being newbies because you have to catch up to everything the upperclassmen know,” said Abbey Harris. Being able to make a good impression the beginning of the season is challenging for the girls. “They were a little rusty at the beginning of the year and they still have a lot to learn, but they bring so much to the team as a whole as well as individually. We’ve made sure to keep old traditions strong and running so I’m sure they’ll carry them on for their remaining years on the team,” explained Captain Olivia Horan, Senior.