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Memorial Markettes March Through Football Season Impacted by Covid-19

By Hannah Kothari, Memorial High School, School Buzz Reporter | October 6, 2020

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(Pictured, from left) juniors Lynley Stewart, Sloan Miers, Lainie Hampton, Elizabeth Jackson, Alice Scafide, Maddie Olive and Anna Graber come together after a successful, socially distanced halftime show. (Photo: Jacqueline Wright)

Covid-19 has put life on hold for many people; however, the global pandemic won’t be stopping the Memorial Markettes this season! The Markettes, an accomplished high school drill team, are as eager than ever to start this year’s football season.

With their 6:30 a.m. practices, these disciplined and determined young ladies are ready to show off their hard work during halftime shows. But due to Covid-19, games will be looking a little bit different this year.

Junior Anna Graber cheers on the Mustangs as they defeat Seven Lakes High School. (Photo: Jacqueline Wright)

“We had to alter the dances, as well as change the way we act in the stands,” says junior Alice Scafide. Participating in the kickline is a big part of being a Markette; however, because of the amount of contact there is, that will not be happening this season. Being distanced is different for these young ladies, as they are a tight-knit group of girls with many traditions.

"Markette Company 'Wars' are a crowd favorite!” says junior Maddie Schmidt. Typically, the Markettes attend “Line Camp” at the end of each summer, where the team participates in bonding activities and learns new routines for the upcoming football season. Unfortunately, this was cancelled this year, but luckily not all of the annual Markette traditions have been cancelled.

Senior Jessica Wright, poms in hand, makes her way down field for halftime. (Photo: Jacqueline Wright)

Each year, the upper and underclassmen get paired together, with the underclassmen not knowing who their “big sisters” are. The upperclassmen spend a week dropping subtle hints to their “little” and, at the end of the week, the sister pairings are revealed. Their annual mum and garter sales, the most successful Markette fundraiser of the year, is also still a go.

With their first game on Sept. 24, the Markette football season is in full swing. Because last school year was cut short, the girls are excited to be spending time together again, regardless of the challenges that the global pandemic might throw their way.