For the 22nd year, dozens of energetic high school dancers took the stage at the Music Center at Strathmore to represent their schools at the Latin Dance Competition on Nov. 21. MCPS students, families and community members packed the theater to cheer for their favorites and celebrate Hispanic heritage. The event was organized by the After School Dance Fund (ASDF), which works to build strong Latin dance clubs in MCPS and to support the academic and social-emotional success of students. See the photo gallery.
Students from 15 high schools participated—Bethesda-Chevy Chase, James Hubert Blake, Clarksburg, Damascus, Albert Einstein, Gaithersburg, Northwest, Northwood, Quince Orchard, Rockville, Seneca Valley, Sherwood, Springbrook, Watkins Mill and Wheaton. The best of show winners in each category are listed below:
Junior Division (schools competing four years or less)
Best in Show
1st, Blake
2nd, Bethesda-Chevy Chase
3rd, Rockville
Parent/Student Dance
1st, Damascus
2nd, Bethesda-Chevy Chase
3rd, Blake
Senior Division (schools competing more than four years)
Best in Show
1st, Gaithersburg
2nd, Einstein
3rd, Clarksburg
In addition, several students were honored with awards. Latin dance club sponsors select students who show leadership skills, academic success and are respected by his/her peers. Student leadership awards went to:
Junior Category
Brayan Flores, Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Dayri A. Ortiz, Blake
Michelle Espinoza, Damascus
Amy Acosta, Rockville
Elizabeth Velasquez, Seneca Valley
Leslie Trejo, Sherwood
Dylan Argueta, Springbrook
Romer Miranda, Wheaton
Senior Category
Kaytelyn Perez, Clarksburg
Liana Cepeda, Einstein
Jocelyn Wiltshire, Gaithersburg
Adriana Sloan, Northwest
Edwin Castellon, Northwood
Zamira Zabala, Quince Orchard
Stephanie Sanchez, Watkins Mill
Three program supporters also received community engagement awards:
- Luz Chavez Gonzales, Maryland youth organizer at United We Dream, received the Trawick Inspiration Award.
- Nyurka I. Morales, assistant principal at Northwest, was given the MCPS School Administrator Award for her support of the school’s Latin dance team.
- Gabe Albornoz, Montgomery County Council president, received the Public Servant Award for his efforts to drive positive change through policy.
