As the whistle blows, the performance begins. Head high, smile big, and mind ready, the Star Steppers begin to dance for the stadium in front of 1,000 familiar and unfamiliar faces. Senior Lieutenant Sharmise Wilkerson shines bright on the field as the performance ensues.

    Wilkerson received Star Stepper of the year at the drill team banquet this spring.   

    “Sharmise is exactly what you want in a drill team member,” drill team sponsor Keri Pierce said. “She is a hard worker who loves to perform and it shows every time she is on the field or the stage.”

    Wilkerson began dancing when she was 3 years old at KDF, then Dance-n-Drill, then her final studio for eight years at Dance Dimensions.

          “When I dance I feel free and happy,” Wilkerson said. “Everything leaves my body and mind so I’m free, kind of like a butterfly.”

           Wilkerson will not be dancing in college, but plans to take a dance class and help out at her current studio. 

           “I voted for Sharmise because she shows so many great values on and off the dance floor,” senior star stepper Brianna Paredes said. “I am proud to have danced with her. She’s amazing.”

           Wilkerson plans to attend college at SFA to major in nursing.

            “I’ll miss making memories on Friday nights the most, dancing with my girls will forever be my favorite,” Wilkerson said. “Drill team is my family and will always hold a special place in my heart.”