Franklin County Early College students form Step Team

Students at Franklin County Early College High School, the innovative partnership between Franklin County Schools and Vance-Granville Community College, have formed their own Step Team, which had its first public performance at a pep rally at Royal Elementary School in Louisburg on October 21. The elementary school invited the Step Team to perform and to speak to fifth-graders about how to prepare and succeed in middle school and high school.

Every student at the Early College High School participates in a club of his or her choice. This year, freshman students Amani Rainey and Jaz-Mine Dent, suggested the creation of a step and dance club. The routines, practices, and even t-shirt designs are all organized and run by the students themselves. Students practice on Fridays and after school. The Step Team consists of 16 Early College High School students in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades, some with years of experience, and others new to the hobby. “They choreographed their own routine and were excited to display their talents,” said Olu Ariyo, VGCC’s college liaison for the high school. “They collaborated to create a fun and entertaining performance that the elementary students enjoyed.”

Above: From left, Franklin County Early College High School students Nicholas Dunn, Terrence Reynolds, Jaz-Mine Dent, Shaquashia Sutton, Lakeisha Blackwell, Ty-nesha Gupton, Frank Moore, Amani Rainey, Edmond Parham, Aaliyha Hawkins and Ashley Rushing are among the members of the new Step Team. (Photo courtesy of Franklin County Early College High School)