It takes two to tango.
But at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School, it takes teachers -- teachers who make an impact on their students. Teachers who are willing to dance like no one is watching, even though everyone is watching, just to connect with their kids.
“Getting to share in the tradition is fun,” said LEE Career and Technical Education Teacher Elizabeth Franklin. “The other students get to see us being silly, and we get to see students excited about something we are participating in. It’s great for school culture.”
The tradition she’s talking about is the annual homecoming halftime dance. Members of the Royal Ruby Varsity Dancers and the Darling Driller JV Dancers ask their favorite teachers to learn a dance with them for the halftime show. They perform it for the entire crowd.
“I think building relationships is so important. So, when you have these special opportunities to further that relationship, I think it’s so much fun.”
This is Franklin’s third time to perform in the halftime tradition. She’s made such an impact, she’s been asked every year she’s taught at LEE. In fact, this year, she was asked by a student she’d danced with before.
“She’s like my second mom. She’s just a wonderful person,” said Royal Ruby Varsity Dancer Jesslyn Vasquez. “I have never had a bond with a teacher like I have with her. I treasure that. I knew I wanted to spend my last year with her. So, I asked her again.”
Jesslyn loves this event. She and Franklin practice every chance they get--in the hallways, after school, whenever they can find a free moment. They take this dance very seriously.
And every one of those practices is a moment for them to connect, build each other up, and further their bond.
LEE Dance Teacher Tina Alanis also looks forward to this dance every year. It is because this dance is bigger than her squad. Honestly, it’s bigger than LEE. Students can invite any teacher. So, some dancers chose their favorite teachers from Nimitz Middle School.
“This helps us pause and celebrate together,” said Alanis. “Not only from elementary school and middle school, but we all have our own things going on with STEM, NESA, ISA and LEE. And this helps all of us see the bigger picture of coming together and celebrating as one through dance.”
At LEE, they are building relationships one dance at a time #theNEISDway
