LOCAL STUDENTS PERFORM IN SUPER BOWL HALF-TIME SHOW
A number of Brenham students were part of the Super Bowl LI entertainment and festivities this weekend in Houston.
Brenham senior Kyle Kirts participated in Super Bowl LI pregame activities on Sunday at NRG Stadium. Kirts enlisted in the Air Force last April and is part of the Air Force Delayed Entry Program (DEP).
Members of the Air Force DEP in conjunction with the 341 Recruiting Squadron from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio participated in a swearing in ceremony, which was held centerfield at NRG Stadium at 12:30 p.m.
The Brenham Belles and Blinn College Band performed in the half-time show.
The students were on the field during the halftime show holding LED torches just below the stage.
“It was very tiring and time-consuming to practice, but as soon as Lady Gaga showed up it energized everyone,” said Sarah Flisowski, spirit coordinator. “During the halftime show, the stadium was completely electric.”
The opportunity came about through Flisowski’s relationship with American Dance/Drill Team Company president Joyce E. Pennington, who previously supplied students for Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Seeking talented performers, Pennington contacted Flisowski, who then contacted Blinn Band Director Dr. Sarah Burke to get the band involved.
First row:
Candy Marshall, Rasheedah Stewart, Christina Powell, Kaitlyn Zissa, Alyssa Lowe, Loni Rogers
2nd row:
Alyssa Ellis, LaJavia Hopes, Valerie, Coward, Krystal Binkley, Emma Schwartz, Mya Lewis, Chelsey Lemus, Caitlyn Counsil, Audrey Taylor, Haley Hughes, Cameron Crow
3rd row:
Alvin Vinson, Sophia Taylor, Jill Rosenbaum, Alaysia McGuire, Samantha Wiesepape, Laramie Zelenka, Savannah Poe
(Courtesy: Brenham ISD)
“This really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the students that participated in this performance,” Burke said. “Not only do they get to see a giant production like the halftime show, but they got to work with some of the best choreographers from around the country.”
Blinn College supplied more students for the performance than any other area college.
“Lady Gaga was so genuine with us and so caring because she wanted us to perform well during the show,” said Alexis Leija, a sophomore from Houston. “I am just thankful for everyone that helped us have this opportunity to represent Blinn.”
Students rehearsed for two weeks leading up to Super Bowl LI and were required to keep their participation a secret from all but family leading up to the big game.
I am so proud of my daughter, the Belles and Coach Flisowski. They worked hard and got home late from all of the practices. They represented BISD and Brenham beautifully. This was a wonderful opportunity and they embraced it as such. Coach Flisowski is wonderful with our girls and I couldn’t be any prouder or happier. Go BHS Belles!
I’m so proud to have my daughter participate in such a big affair but keeping mum about it was the hardest thing to do. It was an awesome experience that my daughter will etch in her memory forever. Thank you Blinn Buc Band!
It was definitely a life changing experience for my son!!!! So proud of all the Blinn Buc Band!!! Thank you all who made our children a part of history & great memories to last a lifetime!!!
It was definitely a chance of a lifetime and I too was very proud of my daughter and her friends. She has worked so hard in college and I am so glad she was able to enjoy this experience. Keeping quiet was the hardest thing but I am so PROUD of the group and how they represented themselves.
I am one very proud momma. My daughter got to experience something that will remain with her for a lifetime. It was so very hard not to tell the world about what she was going to get to do until after the game. I just want to thank all of those who were involved for making this something special.