SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Performers from the Shelby County Board of Education Community Ed Dance Program received numerous awards at the national level during the North American Country Hall of Fame Week, held in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The performers had to enter competitions at various sites around Alabama to become the state&8217;s representatives to the national competition.

The following students received awards:

In the Dixie Stars Clogging Duo, Senior Division, Brooke O&8217;Shields and Shelly Bentley won Dance Team of the Year. Both girls also received awards for their solo performances.

Molly Lucas was an award winner for Tap Solo, Senior Division,

Dixie Stompers, Kayla Woods, Brianna Blankenship, Amber Morris, Kasey Benson and Nikki Farish won Dance Team of the year. Woods won top honors for her clogging solo and Farish was named Entertainer of the Year for her pointe solo.

Dixie Belles, Elizabeth Hatcher, Shae Brown and Harley Chapin were named Dance Group of the Year for the Elementary Division. Hatcher was also named top soloist in the Bluegrass division.

Garrison Hatcher won Entertainer of the Year for Vocals in New Country and Peyton Dunnaway, the Female Rising Star.

These students represented Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana Middle School, Shelby County High School, Shelby County School of Technology and Calera High School. The dancers have been invited to be a part of the Country Tonight Theater&8217;s summer show in July