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.