GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – For the second time in three years, the Valley City Hi-Lites are State Champs in the Large Division Class A Hip Hop Division.

The Hi-Lites took home the title at the state competition in Grand Forks on January 27th. They also won the Hip Hop Division in 2010.

Members of the Varsity Hi-Lites are:  Monisha Terry, Faith Petersen, Mara, Thompson, London Dietrich, Jennifer Anderson, Alexa Klein, Madelyn Langemo, Lexi Senf, Maisie Leick, Amber Bruyea, Jayden Hovland, Asia Barnett, Morgan Nelson and Emily Klein

The Hi-Lites went to Florida the first weekend in February for the UDA Nationals where they competed in Kick and Hip Hop and reached the semifinals.

Head Coach Megan Gilbertson says when the reached state they had to decide which division to compete in, they decided to go large, but not without a conversation.

 

 

Coach Gilbertson says they were disappointed at Nationals, but not because of how they finished.

 

 

As with all activities, there is a high level of dedication that goes into preparation, and Gilbertson says its nice to see the end results.

 

 

The Hi-Lites will be performing their state championship Hip-Hop routine at halftime of the boys basketball game versus Fargo North.

Below you can hear the complete interview with Megan Gilbertson.

 

 

Also in Grand Forks that weekend, the Barnes County North Bisonettes placed 2nd in Jazz, 2nd in Novelty and 3rd in Pom. They qualified for the NDA Nationals in Florida next month.

The members of the Bisonettes are seniors Tabitha Muncy and Kennedy Thompson;  juniors Anna Beth Lint, Shaylee Muncy, Shannon Bryn, and Lexi Greshik; sophomore Jaycee Rudolph and freshman Kendra Greshik.

Coach Pebbles Thompson says for the Bisonettes, a trip to the Nationals was a bit unexpected, not because of the hard work or talent of the dancers, but the age of the program.

Coach Amanda Geisler says the girls work ethic has made them what they are.

Junior Shaylee Muncy explains how she felt when they found out they were headed to nationals.

Senior Kennedy Thompson there is more than just the dancing and participating at Nationals that she will take out of this experience.

The Bisonettes plan on fundraisers to cover the expense of the trip. The first will be Thursday night February 15th with a Talent/Showcase at the school’s main gym at 7pm. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for students. For more information and other ways you can help, go to their fan page on Facebook. Just search BCN Bisonettes on Facebook.