![IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Junior Zalie Mann performs “I Love to Cry at Weddings,” an ensemble piece from the fall musical Sweet Charity, to prospective students during the Fine Arts Showcase on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The showcase is a compilation of performances and demonstrations from each fine arts strand offered at McCallum. This show is put on so that prospective students can see if they are interested in joining an academy or major.
Sweet Charity originally ran the weekends of Sept. 28 and Oct. 8, but made a comeback for the Fine Arts Showcase.
“[Being at the front in the spotlight] is my favorite part of the whole dance, so I was super happy to be on stage performing and smiling at the audience,” Mann said.
Mann performed in both the musical theatre performance and dance excerpt “Ethereal,” a contemporary piece choreographed by the new dance director Terrance Carson, in the showcase. With also being a dance ambassador, Mann got to talk about what MAC dance is, her experience and answer any questions the aspiring arts majors and their parents may have.
Caption by Maya Tackett.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/53321803427_47cd17fe70_o-1-1200x800.jpg)
![SPREADING THE JOY: Sophomore Chim Becker poses with sophomores Cozbi Sims and Lou Davidson while manning a table at the Hispanic Heritage treat day during lunch of Sept 28. Becker is a part of the students of color alliance, who put together the activity to raise money for their club.
“It [the stand] was really fun because McCallum has a lot of latino kids,” Becker said. “And I think it was nice that I could share the stuff that I usually just have at home with people who have never tried it before.”
Becker recognizes the importance of celebrating Hispanic heritage at Mac.
“I think its important to celebrate,” Becker said. “Because our culture is awesome and super cool, and everybody should be able to learn about other cultures of the world.”
Caption by JoJo Barnard.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/53221601352_4127a81c41_o-1200x675.jpg)
Tackling Gender Roles
Linebacker and defensive end for Denver Bandits breaking social barriers
Photo courtesy: John Fabela
Kelly DeForrest found out she was accepted into the WNFC Denver Bandits Dec. 2020 as linebacker and defensive end.
February 3, 2021
Social boundaries are meant to be broken. And that’s exactly what the Women’s National Football Conference is doing for women’s sports. While movements like these seem more prominent in more populated areas, these changes aren’t as far away from small town Powell as they may seem.
“I found out I made the cut for the Denver Bandits late last year,” said Kelly DeForrest, who is PHS band director Mr. John Fabela’s step-daughter. “Excitement was definitely one of my first reactions. However, I am also very nervous to play a sport I have never played previously, especially a physical contact sport.”
DeForrest has been involved in sports her whole life and when COVID resulted in her working from home, DeForrest decided to take advantage of the extra time and get back on the field as linebacker and defensive end for the Denver Bandits.
“I have always played sports, almost 365 days a year from the time I was 7 or 8 years old until I graduated high school,” DeForrest said. “My mom was always running me [to] one place or another. As an athlete my entire life, I wanted to be part of a team again, especially with some of my good friends by my side.”
Never back down; any chance you get, take it.
— Kelly DeForrest, linebacker and defensive end for the Denver Bandits.
The WNFC was founded November 2018 with a goal to create more opportunities for female athletes while maintaining a healthy and positive environment to practice, coach and compete in. In the spring of 2021, the WNFC will feature 20 teams playing a 10-week season.
“I think female athletes are getting more respect now than they ever have,” Mr. Fabela said. “… football leagues like the WNFC, they are attracting very high quality athletes and I’m sure they’re gonna get the respect they deserve.”
On Dec. 18, 2018, the WNFC, alongside the company Adidas, launched their partnership on “She Breaks Barriers,” the initiative to break social barriers in women’s sports. “She Breaks Barriers” was launched to encourage and inspire young women to join and stay in sports.
“WNFC is just like any other sport,” DeForrest said. “Tryouts, hard work, dedication and love of the game all goes into being a part of a women’s professional football team.
“The best advice I can give to young women athletes is never back down; any chance you get, take it, you can do whatever you set your mind to and just enjoy the ride. Also, remember as a student athlete, student comes first.”
Follow the Denver Bandits’ 2021 season: https://www.wnfcfootball.com/denverbandits
This story was originally published on The Prowl on February 2, 2021.
