Central Mountain Majorettes Rise to Open Class Champions in Wildwood, N.J.
By Emily Wright
MILL HALL— For Coach Stephanie Ford and her majorettes team, the Atlantic Coast Championships are more than just a competition—they are the culmination of months of relentless dedication and artistry.
From May 1-4, 2025, Coach Ford’s team of 18 talented twirlers, ranging from grades 5 through 12, representing Central Mountain Middle School, Central Mountain High School, Sugar Valley Rural Charter School, and Lock Haven Catholic School competed at the Tournament Indoor Association’s (TIA) Atlantic Coast Championships. Their appearance at the championships marked almost a decade of Ford’s leadership at this prestigious event.
This year, more than 200 units from neighboring states competed in Wildwood, including color guard, percussion, dance, jazz, and, of course, majorettes. But Ford’s team took home a singular honor, clinching the title of Atlantic Coast Champions in the Open category—one of the highest skill levels within TIA’s competitive classes. This comes after the team was promoted to a higher skill level class early on in the season. The National Judges Association promoted the CM Majorettes from the Scholastic A Classification to the Scholastic Open Classification in February, marking the first time in over 15 years that CM has been placed in this classification.
The majorettes’ success was defined not only by technical skill but by their moving performance, titled “The Struggle is Real.” The routine delved deep into the emotional realities that many young people face, tackling themes of bullying, anxiety, and abuse.
Ford previously shared insight into this year’s competitive routine with The Record: “This year’s show is taking a deeper look at how one might respond to the emotional burdens that we experience in life. Whether it is being called fat, bullied, abuse, or anxious, every burden has weight to it. Resilience and strength help to break through the chains that hold us down.” The underlying message resonates with every ripple of the baton and every step across the floor, and according to Ford, “The performance will take you through an emotional transition of the weight of the burden and then shining through like bright neon.”
While the CM Majorettes did not face another team in direct competition for their category, Ford pointed out that the team’s achievement is no less significant, especially given the team’s promotion to a more challenging classification early in the season. “We were essentially competing against ourselves throughout the season,” she explained. “The team set goals after their promotion related to overall score, feedback from judges, and really thinking outside the box and pushing themselves to achieve at the highest level possible. Some might think that without competition, the win might not be significant, but contrary to that belief, performing at one of the highest skill levels within TIA, is itself an achievement.”
When asked about any standout performances or memorable moments from the busy weekend, Ford shared that aside from competing at the championships, three CM Majorettes—Arrayah Haagen, Skye Mills, and Angelica Fisher— demonstrated their talents in a Dance Showcase, highlighting the weekend’s range of activities for participants. For Ford, the most cherished memories often happen beyond the arena: “One of my favorite moments during the weekend, and a tradition for the majorettes, is after a quick rehearsal upon arrival, I take all the students to the ocean for our ‘jumping’ picture. For some of the students, this might be their first time ever seeing or putting their feet into the ocean.”
Since 2018, Central Mountain’s majorettes have brought home championship banners, moving up through TIA’s rigorous categories through the years—from Regional A classification, then to A classification, and now to Open classification. “This year was no doubt another successful year,” said Ford. “The training and skill development continue to be top priority for this team’s success for years to come,” she added, underscoring that the real reward lies in growth and sportsmanship.
The 2025 season for the majorettes ended not with fatigue but with eager anticipation for the future. “The bus ride home from Wildwood is usually quiet with students relaxing and sleeping after a very busy weekend, but that was not the case this year,” Ford reflected, “Many students were very excited to talk through possible show ideas for the 2026 season.” Shortly after their return from Wildwood, the CM Majorettes began to solidify plans for their next season, demonstrating their passion for the routines they perform.
Ford credits the team’s achievements this year to unwavering community backing. “I would love to thank our amazing booster club— without them and their support we would not be able to be as successful as we are,” she said before expressing gratitude to the families and friends of the students for allowing her to provide them with guidance as their majorette coach. Ford also extended appreciation to the Keystone Central School District administration and local emergency responders—including Citizens Hose, Flemington Fire Company, and Clinton County EMA—who welcomed the champions home with a celebratory escort.
Although the season comes to a close after the championships in Wildwood each year, Coach Ford is excited to announce that an elementary “mini” majorette program is set to launch, bringing baton twirling opportunities to students in grades K-4 in addition to the well-established varsity program for grades 5-12, thanks to approval from the Keystone Central School District. “Starting skill development early is always beneficial,” she noted.
For those interested in enrolling in the mini majorette program or the varsity program, a registration interest form is available by scanning the QR codes accompanying this article or by emailing Coach Stephanie Ford at sford@kcsd.k12.pa.us.
As the baton passes to the next season, the traditions of teamwork and dedication will continue to light the way for CM’s Majorettes—on and off the floor.
