Photo by Golden Photography

GCM Dazzler earns $4,000 scholarship

Goose Creek Memorial High School senior Alyssa Clift was recently awarded a $4,000 scholarship at the Texas Dance Educator’s Association Convention in Houston.

Alyssa, a Dazzler 1st Lieutenant, was one of 70 all-state dancers vying for the scholarship. Each high school is only allowed to bring one student.

Dazzler director Jeannine Watson says the prestigious scholarship is a first for dance in Goose Creek CISD.

“Alyssa is one of the most dedicated, organized, efficient, and remarkably talented young ladies I have ever had the privilege of working with,” Watson said. “She is a shining example of the kind of Dazzler that represents our organization so well. The journey she has taken with us is a testimony to her family, her classmates, and to our mission in dance team!”

A shining example, indeed.

Alyssa was ranked number one in her class at the end of her junior year. Her PSAT scores rank her in the top 50,000 nationwide. She was selected as a Girls State representative, earned recognition from the Duke University Talent Identification Program to go along with many numerous other academic accolades. She was also recently honored as an AP scholar.

Alyssa’s extracurricular activities are legion: she is a member of the school choir (voted best alto and most hard working by peers), National Honor Society, Student Council, Patriot Ambassador, Key Club and has been recognized by the National Youth Education Summit.

Her list of community volunteer activities is equally impressive. She has volunteered for the Pilot Cub community fair, Highlands jamboree, Relay for Life, Kiwanis Apple Sale, and has worked with younger disabled children and participated in several food drives, book drives and school supply fundraisers through the Key Club and National Honor Society.

From the age of 5, dance has been a vital part of Alyssa’s every day being. The crunch of hairspray in her hair, the abundance of bobby pins lost in dance bags, and the smell of a studio is forever engrained in her memory from her years of ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop at Cheryl’s and Misty’s dance studios.

Once Alyssa reached high school, drill team was an obvious choice for her.

Alyssa is a charter member of the Dazzler dance team that was established in 2008 — same year the school opened.

She was a Dazzler lieutenant for two years and the troupe’s 1st Lieutenant this year.
Aside from her leadership position with the Dazzlers, she has also choreographed several field routines, hip-hop pep rallies, a kick contest, several contemporary routines, and a large variety of other dances.

In an essay that accompanied Alyssa’s scholarship application, she says that her drill team experience has inspired her to want to choreograph later in her life. “I hope to make it a part of my future.” Alyssa wrote. “Dance and drill team have had amazing influences on my life. It has pushed me to advance myself as a person, dancer, and leader.

“This experience has taught me so many life lessons that will allow me to succeed regardless of where I end up in the future.”

Alyssa is the daughter of Scot and Angie Clift. Her sister, Aryn, is a sophomore at Goose Creek Memorial. “We are all extremely proud of her and her accomplishments,” mom says.