Whiz Kid of the Week: Lexi Noel

Name:  Lexi Noel
Age:  17
School: Simley High School
Nominator:  Julie Mollison
Nominator's E-mail Address: mollisoj@invergrove.k12.mn.us

Accomplishments:  Lexi has danced on the Simley High School high kick dance since she was a ninth-grader and this year, as a senior, she was named captain.

This season's varsity team was comprised of two seniors, four juniors and 10 sophomores. Last year, the team had seven seniors.

Lexi had a tough task at hand, keeping a young team motivated and building on Simley's rich dance tradition.

The high kick team performed very well this season and finished in fourth place at sections, just missing qualifying for the state tournament.

Key to Awesomeness:  The dance coaches met with captains at the beginning of the season to let them know that they needed to set a strong example for younger dancers, Lexi said, so that the team would remain close and work hard to achieve its goals.

Lexi was honored to be selected captain and was determined to set the tone.

"I like the feeling of girls looking up to me," said Lexi. "It makes me want to push myself even more. Don't slack. Don't ever give up. Show them that they can do it; that we can all do it."

Being a captain has helped Lexi to break out of her shell and gain useful leadership skills. Lexi will use her experience as a leader next year when she attends college at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Lexi will be cheering on Simley's jazz team at the state dance competition on Friday.

She believes next year's dance teams hold much promise.

"Next year, they'll go to State in both," Lexi said of Simley's jazz and kick teams. "They just need to stay close, stay motivated and don't give up."