Channel Islands High School has many dance squads, one of which is Banners. They were gone for about 2 years, reason remains unknown, but have recently been added back into our 2023-2024 school year. Already they have performed at a few CI events such as the 2023-2024 Homecoming Rally, Pismo Beach competition, and the Oxnard Christmas Parade.
Rihanna Alvarado, a junior at Channel Islands High School, says, “It feels good we brought it back.”
With open tryouts, many talented girls tried out for Banners.
Alvarado says, “I was planning on joining All-Female, but heard Banners was opening so I decided to try out for fun.”
Jovanna Reyes, a senior at Channel Islands, says, “My sister was in a different squad, and when I would go see her perform I would also see banners perform. From there I knew I wanted to join Banners.”
Banners is a team with six talented females. They don’t have a captain because they believe it is better to work together as a group. It is being taught by coaches Rey and Mr. Mark Raquedan.
This dance squad is different from the rest, as they consist of marching and dancing with shields.
Cassie Hernandez, a sophomore at Channel Islands High School, says, “Joining a brand new squad can be challenging and intimidating because the other squads are more experienced.”
Joining new squads/clubs/teams can show students many new and different things.
“I learned how to have patience, not only with myself but to also be patient with others,” says Reyes.
Meanwhile Alvarado says, “Banners has taught me commitment, to stay committed to my team. I also learned to not let the team down and to always think about others, not just myself.”
Hernandez advises people to try out new things that may be scary.
“My advice for upcoming dancers that want to join Banners is to just have fun and never give up,” says Hernandez.
