The String of Pearls dance team once again brought a championship trophy back to Pearl River Community College from the American Dance and Drill Team national competition.
The Pearls were named National Champions in the Large Ensemble Division at the competition held at the University of North Texas, said Dr. Kyle Hill, PRCC director of bands. In the team division, the String of Peals were named second runner-up.
The String of Pearls squad has won the National Champions title for five consecutive years.
“We are very proud of how hard these girls and their director, Kara Fleming, continue to work,” Hill said.
The ADTS competition is an international event featuring groups from 18 states and three countries, competing from four years of age through collegiate teams. There were over 1,200 performances over the course of two days.
“The experience is invaluable to our girls,” Hill said.
In the team division, the String of Pearls placed behind McClellan Community College in Waco, Texas, and Blinn Community College in Brenham, Texas. The second runner-up award is the highest PRC has placed in that category.
Captains of the squad are Jordan Kellar of Carriere and Myka Lumpkin of Picayune. Co-captains are Danielle LeBlanc of Bay St. Louis and Hayleigh McCardle of Carriere. Other members are Kayla Bounds, Jessica Smith, Chloe Palma, Kellie Lumpkin and Danielle Jackson, all of Picayune; Kayla Holifield, Sharise Spence, Leslie Harvey, Heather Kirkland and Kristina Williams, all of Carriere; Brooke Walker of Pearl River, La., Kalie Taylor of Wiggins and LeAnne Griffith of Prentiss.