Madison Reporter

The rhythmic sounds of sneakers stomping, hands clapping, and energized chants are now a familiar scene at Huegel Elementary School. This is the new step team, composed of ten dedicated fourth-graders who have turned a one-time performance into an ongoing expression of unity and teamwork.

The initiative began when Rayna Briggs and Daryan Johnson, staff members involved with Huegel’s Black Student Leadership Group and African American Parent Network, were planning the school's 2025 Read Your Heart Out assembly. Initially considering inviting La Follette High School's step team to perform, they soon envisioned Huegel students joining in. This idea quickly evolved into forming their own step team.

"You see their passion and see how it's something that they all love to do," said Briggs. "It's been fun to see them so happy and just being themselves."

In just two weeks, the students crafted a complete routine for their debut at Read Your Heart Out. Despite a last-minute transportation issue preventing La Follette's team from attending, Huegel's performance was successful.

Team members described their experience with words like "awesome" and "amazing." However, Ja'Miyrah expressed a different sentiment: "I actually don't feel great when the routine is over because I miss what we did, and instead I just want to do it again and again."

Briggs and Johnson noted the students' commitment from the start. When one member missed practice, her teammates ensured she learned the routine wherever possible—from bus stops to hallways—so she was caught up by the next session.

Practicing daily during lunch recess has bonded these young steppers beyond performance. As Johnson stated, they're more than a group; they're family. Alayla echoed this sentiment: "We're all family here, and we don't mistreat someone just because they don’t know something. We just help them."

Looking forward to performing at May's Black Girl Magic Conference, the team aims to refine their skills with ample preparation time.

As they continue practicing together, these students are not only displaying talent but also forging strong friendships.

Their routine concludes with: "and that’s how you do it."