Biography

        Before coming to The University of Texas, I lived in Irvine, California. Twirling in California is different than twirling in other places across the country; we twirl outside (since the weather is so nice) instead of always practicing in a gymnasium. I think that practicing outside for my fourteen years of competitive twirling has given me the advantage of being more accustomed to dealing with the climatic elements (rain, wind, sun) at an outdoor football game.

         Before entering college, most of my time was spent practicing for baton competitions. During the school year, I would practice six days a week for at least two hours a day. However, during the summertime and holiday breaks, I would practice three times a day everyday for a total of six hours. My baton coaches are world renowned. They are Major Beverly Johnson, Terri Dobos, Terri Shiver, and Kris Coleman. I would not be where I am today without their constant support and guidance.
 

        My life has been dedicated to the sport of baton twirling. As a result of twirling, I have had the opportunity to perform throughout the entire nation and in other countries. I have won over 1,600 trophies. Some of my National Baton Twirling Association (N.B.T.A.) state, regional, national, and world accomplishments include: California State Twirl Champion for 14 consecutive years, California State Strut Champion for 14 consecutive years, 5-State All-West Miss Majorette for 14 consecutive years, 5-State Twirl Champion for 14 consecutive years, 5-State Bud Skrivan Perpetual Trophy Winner, placed in the "Top Six" nationally for 14 consecutive years, "Top Three" World Strut Champion for 14 consecutive years, "Top Three" World Solo Champion for 14 consecutive years, National Duet Winner, National Strut Champion-- Miss Majorette of America, World Strut Champion, World Solo Champion, Modeling Winner-- Miss Majorette of America, Tied for 1st-- Miss Majorette of America, Top National Twirl Finalist-- Qualified for the World Championships, and Bronze Medal Winner at the World Baton Twirling Championships in Amsterdam, Holland. I have also won the titles of California State Twirling Champion, California State Fancy Strut Champion, Miss Majorette of California, and National Twirling Finalist in the baton organizations of D.M.A. and U.S.T.A. I was the feature twirler for all four of my years at Woodbridge High School. I began my acting and modeling career in California. I am a member of the Screen Actors' Guild, and my film and television appearances include:

       I came to The University of Texas in the fall of 1993.  I twirled for all of my years as an undergraduate, master's, and doctoral student. In 1998, I graduated with high honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development (Education) with specializations in Elementary, Bilingual, and Special Education. In May, 1999, I graduated with highest honors (4.0 G.P.A.) with a Master of Arts degree in Multicultural Special Education. My thesis topic focused on the "Use of Assistive Technology Devices with Limited English Proficient Students Receiving Special Education Services." Even before I graduated with my M.A. degree, I was beginning to work on my doctoral degree. I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a specialization in College Administration in August, 2001. My dissertation was entitled "The Role of Financial Aid in Determining the Success of Community College Students Enrolled in Developmental Education Courses."  I was The University of Texas Feature Twirler for eight years.

        During my years at The University of Texas, I have dedicated myself to some outstanding organizations. Some of my awards, accomplishments, and extracurricular activities include: 1999 Texas Outstanding Student, 1998 Texas Goodfellows Award, 1998 Student Teacher of the Year nominee, 1996 Miss Waco (competed in the Miss Texas Pageant), 6 years on the UT Dean's List, 6 years as an All-American Scholar, member of various honor societies (Golden Key National Honor Society, Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society, Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society), Alpha Chi Omega social sorority (held the offices of Spirit Coordinator and House Manager), Tau Beta Sigma band service sorority, Longhorn Band New Man Committee Member, Disch-Falk Diamonds spirit organization for the Longhorn Baseball Team, parliamentarian of BESO: Bilingual Education Student Organization, Sister Cities, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Silver Spurs' Sweetheart nominee.

       I have had an unbelievable time as the Feature Twirler for the University of Texas, and the memories I have had will last a lifetime. I have performed at all of the home football games (and almost all of the away games), men's and women's basketball games, volleyball games, parades (including the Texas Gubernatorial and Presidential Inaugural Parades), professional football games, professional basketball games, pep rallies, ceremonies, local elementary schools, etc. I have also made thousands of friends throughout the nation. The 2000 - 2001 academic term was my eighth and final year as the Longhorn Feature Twirler.