By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – The Junction City High School J-Stepper Dance Team had a banner week at the 2025 Universal Dance Association Camp, collecting six All-American honorees.
In all, seniors Keegan Mohammed, Ashley Caligiuri, Elliadora Ibarra, Jae’Lynn Dennard, Lillian Simpson and Annabel Vande Riet brought home UDA All-American status on the campus of Butler Community College in El Dorado, which is the highest individual honor a camper can receive.
As a team, the Blue Jays, who placed second overall in home routine, collected 32 blue ribbons, three red ribbons and one white ribbon. They also earned the Superior Trophy, which is the highest award a team can receive, as well the spirit stick and super spirit stick.
Individually, junior Yeongmin Jin and sophomore Heaven Horton claimed Pay It Forward pins, while Caligiuri, Emmalynne Nelson, Amia Peoples, Vande Riet, Horton and Ibarra earned Special Recognition ribbons.
Other highlights included Dennard being named the Drill Down Queen after exceling in the Drill Down portion of the camp and Horton receiving the UDA Stand Out Award, which recognizes dancers who demonstrate exceptional talent, positive energy and leadership qualities. Finally, JCHS hoisted the prestigious Team Drill Down Trophy and Team Full Out Trophy.