Sports

Last Updated on Sunday, 02 October 2016 23:52

In July, two sisters, Meah and Reese Watson of Peters Township, were crowned winners of the America’s Youth on Parade pageant held at Notre Dame University.

Reese and Meah Watson

After practicing all summer, their names announced as first place overall earned them each a national title.

Once starting the 2016 baton twirling season, both Meah and Reese had the dream of winning nationals, and they were willing to push each other to achieve their goals.

“We practiced 5 days a week in the fall and every day in the summer,” said Reese. “We always tried to motivate and help each other to practice the best we could every single day.”

After months of practice at their dance and baton studio, Ruby Daugherty and Sherry School of Dance, located in Finleyville, under the direction of their coach, Leann Chamberlin, the girls had their eyes on winning a state pageant comprised of baton routines and a costume modeling routine to earn them a spot at the national competition.

After a long day of competition, Meah won the title of Junior (13-15) Beginner Pennsylvania Pageant Winner and Reese won Pre-Teen (10-12) Beginner Pennsylvania Pageant winner for their outstanding work, and after winning at the regional level, the sisters quickly got to work preparing for Notre Dame.

Once Nationals finally rolled around, the girls drove to South Bend Indiana with batons in hand and a dream in their minds.
“Pageant day was the longest day of the week. We had to do a Modeling with Interview, Strut, and Solo all in one morning,” said Meah. “I was so happy with my performances that I didn’t even realize how exhausted I was until I was done. I still couldn’t sleep that night because I was so excited for Pageant Awards at the end of the week.”

After a long, winning-filled week, with Reese winning National Open Solo for the age 12 division, and the Modernettes winning Nationals for Corp and Pom Pons, Pageant Awards were next.

All of the contestants for their age divisions lined up and went onto the floor in the Notre Dame Joyce Center. Reese was announced 2nd in Modeling, 2nd in Strut, and 4th in Solo, naming Reese as best overall out of 40 girls in the Beginner 10-12 division from around the country. Meah won 1st in Modeling, Strut, and Solo out of 36 girls in the 13-15 division, earning Meah the National Title.

“I was already on cloud nine when I won, but to see my sister win everything right after me was unbelievable,” said Reese. “I was so happy that all of our practice was worth it, and we could celebrate together!”