Spring is time for competitions and the Plano Senior High Planoettes recently competed in the American Dance/Drill Team’s (ADTS) National Championship held March 28-29, at the University of North Texas in Denton. The team received the maximum award, National Champion Team and Most Outstanding Team. Out of over 40 national and international teams competing, the Planoettes were ranked overall as 6th place International. Team military, Elite hip hop, Team pom and Team open received national champions. 

“I am so proud of this team and all the work they have put in to making this year special! This was clearly a team effort with our girls, dads, and moms! The dance was truly a great ending to a wonderful day! Our team Military is always a crowd favorite and that didn’t change this year with many asking, “what team is that?” after our girls danced. I am so blessed to be the director of the Planoettes and able to work with the most talented and caring girls! The Planoettes are more than an award winning organization, they are giving of their time to their school and community and true leaders for others to follow. I cannot thank the parents, staff at PSHS, and our community enough for the support over the year! Thank you and we are honored to be the 'Pride of Plano!'" exclaimed director Meredith Walraven. 

In addition, the Elite teams received Elite Jazz 2nd runner up, Elite Kick 1st runner up, Elite Lyrical 2nd runner up, Elite Contemporary national champions, 1st runner up elite, Team jazz 1st runner up, 2nd runner up officers, 1st runner up international jazz, 2nd runner up international Pom, 3rd runner up international open, International champions military. Officer jazz 2nd runner up, Officer lyrical 2nd runner up, Officer contemporary national champions, Officer open national champions and Sergeants national champions.

Allison Cannon, Angela Huang and Laura Jenkins were solo finalists received a 5th, 4th and 2nd Runner Up for their solos. Earlier this spring, the Planoettes entered one regional competition with much success. 

The Planoettes are now preparing for their annual spring show, Planoettes Pizazz, which takes place April 10, 11 and 12, at 7:30 PM in the Plano Senior High Doyle Dean Performing Arts Center. 

This year’s production, “A Moment in Time,” will include many of their winning routines! Tickets can be purchased at the PSHS theater box office from 4:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. April 1-3 and 7-9, and from 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the PSHS cafeteria April 7-11. The box office opens at 6 p.m. on performance nights.  

The Planoettes work very hard not just in dance or studies, but also they are giving their time to their community. This year, they participated in the supply drive for the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic where the girls collected: 300 Diapers, 12 pkg wipes, 12 bottles shampoo, 60 bars of soap, toothpaste, deodorant and various office supplies. They also collected 1444 canned goods for the student council food drive and also participated in Valentines for Veterans.

The Planoettes of Plano Senior High School are made up of nearly 65 junior and senior girls and Maroon Guard. The team is under the direction of Meredith Walraven, with Assistant Director Courtney Davis. For more information, visit planoettes.org