By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Madelyn Heikkila
Parents: Chris and Kim Heikkila
Activity: Pom and Dance
Twitter: @maddy_heikkila
Madelyn (Maddy) Heikkila is a senior on the West De Pere pom and dance team who lists her time on the beach in Indian Shores, Florida, as being one of her favorite trips ever taken.
She plans on attending St. Norbert College and majoring in either chemistry or biology.
What is it like to be a leader on the pom and dance team at the West De Pere High School? “I want to be a role model to my team and be able to help them out as much as possible.”
What is your most embarrassing moment ever in pom and dance? “When I was dancing sidelines for pregame of a basketball game and a ball hit me.”
How many years have you been involved in pom and dance? “I have been in dance since I was 3 years old. I’ve been on the dance team all four years of high school.”
What is your most memorable moment? “Taking third place in Division 3 pom and second place in Division 2 kick at the state competition in 2018. The entire team worked hard that season to place higher at state from the previous year, and it was a rewarding feeling to beat some of our competitors.”
What’s the hardest part about performing in a competition? “Constantly thinking about each count you need to hit in order to have everything be perfect for the routine. Most of it is muscle memory, but changes in the routine need to be remembered when performing with them for the first time.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “I would want to be Pink because her concerts are very energetic, and her dancers always look like they are having fun. Also, she is a good role model for girls.”
What is your routine before a big competition starts? “Before I perform at a competition, I usually start to listen to the song we are dancing to – to get in the right mindset. Then, I stretch to make sure I am prepared for the performance. Right before we go out to dance, we say our cheer called “We Believe.” This is very special to the team because it was created by Luella, a former West De Pere dance team member who passed away from cancer.”
Do you have a nickname or something a teammate calls you during a game? “Most of the girls on the team call me ‘Maddy’ or ‘Maddawg.’”
What is one thing that other teammates or coaches don’t know about you? “My coaches and teammates don’t know that I used to play softball when I was younger. I used to be a pitcher.”
Winning individual honors or a big team win? “A big team win because the team always competes as one.”
What would your dream job be once you graduate? “It would be either a pharmacist or doctor.”
What are your hobbies? “They include spending time with my friends and family, going to the beach and traveling.”
What is your favorite event ever attended? “Any Packers game. I love watching football and the environment during a game is fun and crazy.”
What is your favorite type of music? “I like most genres of music, but my favorite is country.”
What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “I love using social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.”
What three words describe you? “Determined, smart, stylish.”
Favorites
Food: Pasta
Subject: Science
Color: Pink
TV Show: “World of Dance”
Athlete: Aaron Rodgers
Board Game: The Game of Life
Candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Ice Cream: Strawberry
Holiday: Christmas
Season: Fall