The Hazen Highlanders dance team was crowned champions of Washington state in the 3A Dance/Drill competition on March 23.

They are the 3A state champions in the Military, competing against the top nine teams in the state. This is the first state win for the team since 2018 (state championships were postponed in 2020 and 2021) and the team has a long legacy of state wins. They also competed in the 3A Pom category and placed 3rd out of 12 teams.

The team is led by Coach Elaine Chow and Coach Lindsay Starr Dye, along with Captains Abbey Thaiy (12), Angelica Hoang (10), Jordan Ness (11), Kaja Uzelac (10), Kayla Sooy (12) and Kyly Diep (10). During the fall, you’ll find the team at Renton Memorial performing during halftime at home football games.

Once winter sports begin, the dance team transitions to their competition season with new choreography to learn, increased practice times and competitions. The competitions take them to local, regional and national competitions. The pinnacle of their season is competing in the District 2 competition and reaching the peak at the WIAA State Championships.

“Thanks to the continued support of the Hazen community, including the parents, students, staff, and administrators, and the cooperation of the Renton School District and the Renton School Board, the legacy of the Hazen Dance team continues to bring pride, achievement, and unity to past, present, and future families,” Trina Sooy said in an email to the Renton Reporter.