Song is a sport that has been part of Aliso for many years, and is always dedicated to giving a show stopping performance during pep rallies and football games. The Captains of song Jaelynn August (12) and Liesl Merkh (12) have led Song through these experiences.
Both captains joined Song their freshman year of high school but had been dancing for as long as they can remember.
August says, “Both of our sisters were seniors when we were freshman, so since like 7 grade we’ve been watching them compete.”
When asked what made them want to become captains Merkh and August said, “The leadership is super inspiring and both of our sisters were captains too. Just being able to lead our team because we all get closer. We’re like a family.”
August describes her leadership style by saying, “I try to lead by example but it’s definitely been hard. I feel like just making sure everyone is in the loop and everyone knows what’s going on, no one is left out.”
With having practices every morning during zero period as well as weekends and Tuesday nights the captains put in the work to help their teammates with choreography as well as bringing the energy to their competitions and practices.
Merkh describes the most rewarding part by saying, “When all of our hard work pays off, we have really long practices, and when it all pays off then it just makes it all worth it.”
When there is conflict within the team, the captians show their leadership skills and willingness to help the team.
August says, “We try to stay in the middle. We don’t pick sides, there’s definitely been conflict over the years so we try to stay in the middle and hear everyone out.”
The captians keep the team balanced, making sure everyone is feeling good about their accomplishments.
Merkh and August say, “We just want to try our best and stay positive. We went advanced this year so it’s a lot harder, so just trying to make sure everyone is proud of themselves, not as much winning, just proud of themselves.”
August and Merkh believe they must always stay humble, while they are captains they are still teammates and want to make sure everyone knows they are in the same position as them.
The song team truly does bring the school spirit,
Merkh says, “It’s in the name, ‘Pep squad,’ we are just here to have fun.”
Before competitions the team gets in a huddle to say a prayer and make sure everyone knows they are going to be fine.
August says, “Normally at football games we have a tradition where we give gifts as a team to the other song and cheer squads.”
As August and Merkh have been captains the team’s connection with other spirit groups such as cheer have grown.
Mia Johnson (12) and Chloe Isaac (12), members of Song describe their captains as being, “Kind, caring and passionate.”
The captains are valued as being very hardworking and having a true love for the team and working together with all the girls. With their dedication and drive, the captains continue to push the Song team to new heights this year.