Mercy/St Patrick’s College elite performing artists are the toast of the school after outstanding displays at the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition in Brisbane.
A squad of 31 students from Years 7 to 12 covered themselves in glory across the three-day event – posting meritorious achievements in the four categories they competed in at the Morayfields Sport and Event Centre.
Thirty of the best club or school dancing ensembles in the nation participated in 236 routines of first-class standard and impressed judges with their high level of skill, endurance and composure.
Mercy/St Patrick’s were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also collected the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy – an incredible feat by students Holly Bates, Alyssa Battaia, Eva Bishop, Jacee Borg, Chelsey Butler, Alice Camilleri, Klancie Coben, Milly Mayfield, Bella McClarty, Charlotte O’Brien, Sophie Reilly, Adysen Ruddick, Gabriella Ruggeri, Katelyn Sturdy, Katelyn Vassallo and McKenzie Wotherspoon.
The College finished second in Senior Contemporary; third in Senior Hip Hop and a creditable fourth in the Cheer Level 2 category.
Mercy College Dance coach and choreographer Natalie Porter said she couldn’t be prouder of the touring team.
“The girls were outstanding ambassadors for the College and their behaviour was exemplary for the entire three days,” revealed Natalie, who doubled as the trip co-ordinator.
“Their commitment to the cause was exceptional - so many of the girls were involved in the Mackay Eisteddfod in the lead up to the competition but just stepped up and made us all proud,” she said.
Natalie also praised the efforts of Cheer Head Coach and choreographer Ashley Fergus and staff members Mel Camilleri and Molly Rossetto (administration) for their sterling contributions.
Rehearsals were held Mondays and Fridays before school with the group relishing the challenge.
“We were extremely delighted with the large number of students that expressed an interest in trying out for our dance squads,” Miss Porter said.
“More than 110 students auditioned for spots on both the Dance and Cheer teams respectively which augurs well for our Performing Arts program” she added.
Other participating students included: Shelby Campbell; Sana Campbell (St Patrick’s); Zoe Castelletto; Tasanee Chudee; Isabella Coe; Lucy Crust (St Patrick’s); Piper Euler; Jacinta Franettovich (St Patrick’s); Estella Martin (St Patrick’s); Mackenzie Maunder; Aidyn McSherry; Reese Morgan; Rori Paganoni (St Patrick’s); Amber Roscher (St Patrick’s) and Abigail Vickers (St Patrick’s).
By Chris Karas
Mercy/St Patrick’s College Mackay performing artists that were crowned National Junior Lyrical champions at the 2022 Asia Pacific Grand Internationals National Dance & Cheer Competition in Brisbane
