By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Raya Severson
Nicknames: Ray Ray, Raybae
School: Ashwaubenon
Activity: Dance
Parents: Barry Severson and Jennifer Williams
Raya Severson is a senior member of the Ashwaubenon Jaguaress dance team.
In 2011, head coaches Andrew Meinel and Rodney Anderson started a tournament at Ashwaubenon High School.
It has since grown to more than 95 teams and continues to be one of the largest tournaments in Wisconsin.
In the past, the team has placed at the Contest of Champions in Orlando, Fla., and the DX Americup in Minneapolis, Minn.
When did your interest in dance begin?
“I started at the age of five at Allouez Park and Recreation. Then I moved to All That Dance in De Pere the following year. It was there I fell in love with dance.”
What’s your favorite place to unwind?
“My bed.”
What’s your most embarrassing dance moment?
“When I fell in the Memorial Day parade and someone started singing ‘Shake it Off’ by Taylor Swift.”
Your favorite chant at a football game?
“The spirit chant.”
What’s your most memorable moment?
“Winning the 2019 WACPC (Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches) Division 2 Kick and Pom State Championships.”
What’s your favorite word you like to use?
“Purrr.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“Kendall Jenner.”
Who inspires you?
“My dad. He’s my biggest fan and supporter.”
Future plans?
“Attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and majoring in sales marketing with a psychology minor.”
What’s one thing your teammates or coaches don’t know about you?
“I used to suffer from stage fright.”
Favorite winter activity?
“Skiing.”
What’s the most important quality in a friendship?
“Honesty.”
Describe your family.
“My parents are divorced but work well together to provide my siblings and me the best life. My older sister, Rylie, is in college, and my brother, Wyatt, is a sixth-grader at West De Pere Middle School.”
What’s your favorite month of the year?
“July because I love summer.”
Talk about what you did for your community service hours at Ashwaubenon.
“I went on a mission trip to Louisville and worked with kids who were less fortunate than me. It made me appreciate what I have.”
What’s your favorite type of music?
“R&B (rhythm and blues).”
South America or Canada?
“South America.”
What two words describe you?
“Genuine, outgoing.”
Favorite wake-up food or drink before school?
“A bagel and a matcha latte.”
What dreams do you have for the world of tomorrow?
“For everyone to be happy and created equal.”
Talk about your dance coaches.
“They expect us to be our best, and they train us to peak at the right time. They work hard creating unique choreography, tweaking our routines, making sure our costumes are amazing and we are the team to beat.”
What’s been your favorite outfit to perform in?
“The freshman year pom outfit. It was unique, and we won a state championship in it.”
Favorites
Foods: Steak with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes
Season: Summer
Sports: (besides dance): Track, soccer