Club Highlight: Sharks
The oldest high school synchronized swimming club in America exists at Roosevelt. Started in 1926, the Sharks have put on a 3-night pageant every year, in the Spring.
Being part of this club has taught me many valuable lessons. It is an all-girls student run club, and so every year we all have to work together to put on pageant. We choose a theme, select music, cut the music, choreograph routines and teach them. In addition, we have to organize all the logistics of a pageant: lights, sound, the program, reserving the pool, etc. These responsibilities have made me more organized and confident.
The most valuable lesson for me has been leadership. Throughout my 4 years in it, I've held leadership positions, both formal and informal. I was Junior Graphic Design and am now co-president, but have also had to step up into a number of informal roles. Cleaning up after practices, offering to help put up the back drop, and helping girls with their counts are all examples of this informal leadership. Being a completely student-run club, there are lots of opportunities to step up and take charge. I've learned how to be firm but not overbearing, and confident but not arrogant.
The most rewarding part of the club is pageant- putting in all this hard work culminates in a 3 night show that continues to entertain and amaze audeince members. Explaining what we do to complete strangers is also very fun- many people aren't aware exactly what synchro is or how our club functions. (so come this year April 2,3,4!!!!!!)
For interested/ prospective freshman: girls can attend a few weeks of clinics (typically in late October or early November) to learn how to do a variety of synchro moves. Tryouts are held after the clinics and are judged by alumni based on skill! Although it can be difficult to get the hang of, many girls learn quickly. It does help to be a strong swimmer, as we tread lots of water and have to hold our breath.
Being part of this club has taught me many valuable lessons. It is an all-girls student run club, and so every year we all have to work together to put on pageant. We choose a theme, select music, cut the music, choreograph routines and teach them. In addition, we have to organize all the logistics of a pageant: lights, sound, the program, reserving the pool, etc. These responsibilities have made me more organized and confident.
The most valuable lesson for me has been leadership. Throughout my 4 years in it, I've held leadership positions, both formal and informal. I was Junior Graphic Design and am now co-president, but have also had to step up into a number of informal roles. Cleaning up after practices, offering to help put up the back drop, and helping girls with their counts are all examples of this informal leadership. Being a completely student-run club, there are lots of opportunities to step up and take charge. I've learned how to be firm but not overbearing, and confident but not arrogant.
The most rewarding part of the club is pageant- putting in all this hard work culminates in a 3 night show that continues to entertain and amaze audeince members. Explaining what we do to complete strangers is also very fun- many people aren't aware exactly what synchro is or how our club functions. (so come this year April 2,3,4!!!!!!)
For interested/ prospective freshman: girls can attend a few weeks of clinics (typically in late October or early November) to learn how to do a variety of synchro moves. Tryouts are held after the clinics and are judged by alumni based on skill! Although it can be difficult to get the hang of, many girls learn quickly. It does help to be a strong swimmer, as we tread lots of water and have to hold our breath.
How do the girls tryout? How strong of a swimmer do you need to be to tryout?
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