www.roanoke.com

The first Annual Coventry Commonwealth Games of Va. Baton Competition, sponsored by Pizzazz Star City Twirlers, under the direction of Joan Duus was held at Hidden Valley High School on June 6th.

50 contestants from all over the state of Virginia participated -- including one from Botetourt, Bethany Baker.

Pizzazz took home 5 Gold Medals in the Advanced Team Competition.

The Team Members as seen in photo from left to right included:

Back Row-Rachel Benton-Roanoke County

Bethany Baker-Botetourt County

Rebecca Keller-Glenvar

Christine Wadstrom-Vinton

Natalie Smith-Vinton

Danielle Cormier-Greensboro N.C.

Front Row-Olivia Thomas-Roanoke County

Meredith Smith-Roanoke County

Stephanie Meriwether-Roanoke County

Madison Engl-Roanoke County

Elizabeth Hudson-Vinton

The Pizzazz Beginner Team also won Gold in their division. The team members
included as seen in photo, left to right:

Back Row- Megan Glenney-Roanoke County

Mairin Glenney-Roanoke County

Grace Chritzer-Roanoke County

Haley Leftwich-Roanoke City

Stephanie Meriwether-Roanoke County

Samantha Taylor-Roanoke County

Other individual winners from Pizzazz who were not part of the teams are:

Rori Vogel-Roanoke City

Catherine Glenney-Roanoke County

All of the participants in the Common Wealth Baton Contest are eligible to
be a part of the Opening Ceremonies for the State Games held at the Roanoke
Civic Center on Friday Evening, July 17th.

Our guest performer was Erica Seredin from Richmond. Erica who is the
reigning Miss Commonwealth of Virginia was 4th runner up in the Miss
Virginia Pageant last weekend twirled for her talent. Erica is a National
Twirling Champion & former Feature Twirler for University of Virginia.

Submitted by Joan Duus