Mycah Segers
Jillian Strader performs at halftime of Friday's homecoming game against Frenship.
Jillian Strader has been on the dance team all four years of high school, including two years at Rider and two years at Memorial. This year she has taken on the role of senior lieutenant of the Memorial Sapphires.
The Memorial Messenger got to sit down with Strader ahead of senior night to ask her questions about her experience on the Sapphires, some challenges she’s faced on the way and her goals for the future.
Q: What is it like being senior lieutenant of the Sapphires?
A: It’s a very big role. You have to come into practice every day and make sure you’re in game mode and ready to lead the team. Also that you’re there for your other officers, and you have good intentions for the team, your teacher and your other officers.
Q: What are some of your goals for the end of the year, for both yourself and the team?
A: For the team, I would like to see everyone on the same level. Obviously, we’re all still going to be at different levels, but I’d like to see everyone get closer in level. Also as a team, I’d like to see them all grow closer together. For myself, I would like to possibly get into a college for dance, and grow closer with my team.
Q: What impact have you made/are wanting to make on your team?
A: I want to make a positive impact. I feel like last year we didn’t have the best year, so I want to see a positive change that will carry throughout the years and positive leadership.
Q: What has been a challenge for you as senior lieutenant?
A: I feel like everyone has kind of a mental-block, and one challenge has been helping people get over that. My biggest challenge has been moving from Rider to Memorial, with all the new traditions and trying to figure it all out.
Q: How long have you been dancing?
A: I took dance when I was 3, but I quit. I got back into it later though, and have been dancing for about 5-6 years.
Q: What do you enjoy most about dancing on the Sapphires?
A: I get to do what I love with my best friends.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I want to go to college to pursue nursing, and hopefully become a nurse practitioner. I would like to continue with dance by possibly teaching at a dance studio in college, and see where it goes from there.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from being on the Sapphires?
A: I’d say last year at competition before the awards. We were all together and joking around, and it was a lot of fun.