By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Savannah Juntunen
Parent: Layla Juntunen
Activity: Pom and dance
Twitter: @Savjuntunen
Savannah Juntunen was a recent graduate of West De Pere High School.
If she had one wish, it would be to end poverty throughout the world.
Juntunen says Nick Jonas is a celebrity crush.
How do judges decide the point totals of each competition?
“They break the score sheets into sections such as technique, choreography and how well we executed the routine. They award points based on how well they think we performed. They add the scores up and that becomes our total score. Lots of times, there may be three to four judges, so it all depends on how they place you.”
What is your most embarrassing moment in pom and dance?
“My junior year at the homecoming pep assembly on the football field, we were performing our competition kick routine for the first time, and on the very first kick of the routine, I slipped and fell right on my butt in front of everyone.”
Favorite dance uniform?
“Our pom uniforms from my sophomore year. They were simple but super cute.”
What is your most memorable moment on the dance floor?
“Hitting my ending pose on the state floor my senior year. I looked around at everyone there and was so proud of all of our accomplishments this past year. It was really bittersweet.”
Who is a role model in your life?
“My mom.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“Billie Eilish.”
What is the most valued possession you own?
“My most valued possession is probably my phone. I have all my pictures on there from freshman year, and I use it for everything.”
Do you have a nickname?
“Most of my friends and teammates called me ‘Sav.’”
What are two things you’d like to accomplish before you turn 30?
“I would like to buy my own house and hopefully pay off my college debt by then.”
What is one thing that other teammates or coaches don’t know about you?
“Honestly, I’m really open with my team. I feel like they know everything.”
What are your college aspirations?
“I will be attending Michigan State University for a major in either pre-med or public relations.”
What are your hobbies?
“I work two jobs, so that keeps me busy. I love to hang out with my friends and my family. I also love shopping and going on vacations.”
What three words describe you?
“Outgoing, funny, honest.”
What do you think makes the national dance high school competition stand out on ESPN?
“I think dance stands out because it’s not like a lot of other sports. You only have about 2 1/2 minutes to show all the dedication and hard work you have put in all year. Dance is a really interesting sport to watch because there are so many different styles and amazing teams.”
Who is your favorite all-time athlete?
“Gabby Douglas. She is one of the youngest women to win a gold medal and the first African American woman to win the all-around at the Olympics. She is a great role model for young girls all over the world.”
What is a favorite childhood memory of your dancing?
“When my best friend and I took ballet and tap classes together when we were really little.”
What is one thing you’re going to miss about attending West De Pere?
“I’m going to miss all my friends and even my teachers. A lot of us are going to different colleges, so we won’t see each other as much anymore – that’s really sad. A lot of us grew up together and have gone to school together since elementary school.”
Dance move?
“Kicks.”
Favorites
Grocery store item: Ice cream
Subject: English
Musical artist: Mac Miller
Fall activity: Football games
Trip: Mexico