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Eastport-South Manor students urge board to recognize Sharkettes as school sport
Summary
Seventh- and eighth-grade members of the Sharkettes told the Eastport-South Manor Board on Nov. 19 they want the district to reclassify the dance team as an official sport to gain funding, facility access and eligibility for competitions and scholarships.
Liliana Cavalieri, an eighth grader, and Isabella Kozel, vice president of the seventh-grade student body, asked the Eastport-South Manor Board of Education on Nov. 19 to recognize the Sharkettes as an official school sport rather than a club, saying that change would secure funding, guaranteed practice space in the new dance room and eligibility for regional and national competitions.
The students listed local districts with competitive dance teams and told board members that formal athletic recognition would increase school spirit, make students eligible for athletic letters and scholarships, and provide budget support for uniforms and travel. "We would feel equal with other athletic teams and be acknowledged for our physical and competitive training," Cavalieri said during the public presentation.
Superintendent Tim Steimel (mister Steimel) praised the students' presentation and described the district's standard path for new activities: pilot as a club, evaluate interest, then consider formal recognition. He noted the district is building a dedicated dance studio and asked the students to forward their materials to Athletic Director mister Hayes so staff can research the request during the upcoming budgeting cycle. "When there was interest, we started it off as a club," Steimel said, adding he would ask the athletic director to follow up and investigate funding and scheduling options.
The board did not take immediate action at the Nov. 19 meeting; instead members directed staff to review the request, consult athletics rules and budget constraints, and report back. The next formal steps are staff research and potential presentation of options to the board during budget discussions.
