Beta Chi Sigma, the step dance team from Baldwin County High School, made a remarkable debut at the 21st annual Battle of the Bay Step Show held at the USA Mitchell Center on Saturday, March 16.

Sponsored by Mobile Kappa League, this marked the team's first time entering in the competition and Beta Chi Sigma emerged victorious, marking a historic achievement for the team.

Sponsor Kayland Lamar expressed the team's exhilaration at clinching the top prize on their first attempt.

"The girls were beyond excited. We all put so much time and energy into creating a show that we were proud of so the fact that all that hard work paid off was truly amazing," Lamar said. "For many reasons, we were the underdog in this competition. Not only was it our first time participating in a competition, but we were also the smallest team there. It was an incredible moment that will always be cherished."

Established in 2019 by Kayland Lamar and Norleisha Lewis, Beta Chi Sigma is an esteemed service organization at BCHS, guided by the principles of C.L.A.S.S. (Character, Leadership, Attitude, Sisterhood and Scholarship). The team performs at various school events, including pep rallies, sporting events and community engagements, embodying excellence in leadership, social awareness and academic success.

"Although we attended the Battle of the Bay Step Show the previous years, we had never participated in any competitive show. Additionally, the timeline to prepare immediately followed basketball season, which gave us just under six weeks. This was a time crunch," Lamar said. "The ladies rose to the challenge and practiced 3-5 days a week and on some days sacrificed their lunch period to do run-throughs."

The dedication and hard work paid dividends as the team executed their routine with confidence and precision at the competition. Lamar commended team president Derriana Bishop for her leadership and emphasized the individual contributions of each member, which added a personalized touch to their performance.

The team expressed gratitude to their supporters, including local businesses, school staff, and alumni members, for their unwavering support throughout their journey. The unique costumes worn by the team were designed and created by Kennedi Grace, a junior at BCHS and a member of the group's Big Sister, Little Sister Mentoring Program.

Looking ahead, Lamar stated that the team would focus on finishing the school year on a strong note, preparing for try-outs to recruit new members for the upcoming season, and scheduling engagements for the school and local community.

"We will stomp the grounds, literally, prepping for the events of the upcoming school year," Lamar said.