When one thinks of the typical high school dance team member, thoughts of high kicks, trendy music, great poise, and a contagious smile usually accompany that image. The fierce dance team at Livonia High School, better known as the Prowlers, certainly encompasses the spirit and skill that are second to none. After the initial vision of physically fit and beautifully poised young ladies is taken in, one would never know the sparkle continues once their glistening green uniforms are out of sight.

Senior Alyssa Henderson, who is a first year member of the dance team, leaves the green glitter top of her uniform to make some fire red sparkles of her own in the classroom. A dance student with eleven years of experience, Alyssa credits her success in school to her work ethic and perseverance. Alyssa is one of only two female students of a student population of eight hundred thirty one who is enrolled in the welding class. Alyssa, whose father Michael Henderson is a welder, thought that this elective class might be something “cool” to take so that she could learn something about her father’s trade and way of life. She told her mother Carleen Henderson that she did not want to depend on someone else to fix things for her and thought welding would be a great way to meet her own needs. After observing Alyssa in the welding shop and in the instructional aspect of the class, Welding Instructor Randy Jarreau knew that Alyssa should not be regarded as a new female student, but as a student that was performing equally as well if not better than many of the more experienced male students. “Alyssa was progressing quickly and more importantly, she was stepping up as a leader in the shop. She was willing to help others but also humble enough to ask others to demonstrate and guide her when she needed help. And that’s what today’s industry work force is looking for.”

Alyssa’s ability to catch on so rapidly and the peer respect she earned in the traditionally male dominated class caught the attention of her Welding Instructor as well as other educators in the school. Her passion for dance and her newly acquired skill of welding also caught the attention of the producers of the web based program, Super Chevy Spotlight. The Super Chevy Spotlight is a program that started in 2016 which recognizes individuals and programs in Baton Rouge Area High Schools. The program focuses on programs that are on display which most often results in stories that come from the athletic programs.

Producers with the program visited Livonia High School and shadowed Alyssa on January 25. They interviewed some of her peers and teachers regarding the uncommon combination of these two school activities. Those interviewed felt inclined to mention that Alyssa has found the perfect balance since she possesses such an easy going and flexible personality. During her interview session, Alyssa was quick to acknowledge the fact that dance and welding both take lots of practice and repetition. She now realizes that by stepping out of her comfort zone and enrolling in the welding class, she will have additional career and job options after graduation. At this time, Alyssa plans to attend Nichols State University to study Occupational Therapy. The school to work curriculum and industry based instruction that Pointe Coupee Parish Public School System has provided offers students a huge advantage in today’s highly competitive and demanding industrial fields.

Alyssa’s broad spectrum of talents, her determination, and her drive to succeed are fine examples of how we should all be willing to venture into unfamiliar territory to engage in the unknown. One will never know the benefits of trying something new until giving it a chance. Visit Super Chevy Spotlight on Youtube or check out Alyssa’s story at https://www.super.hsspotlights.com/.