One Marlow senior finds passion in her talent. McKena Mace danced for The Heartbeat Dance Studio for two years and has been a member of the MHS Bootlegger dance team for four years. The squad placed first in Kick, second in Pom, and third in HipHop at State this year.

“I like it because I’m good at it,” Mace said. “Is that conceited?”

Though she finds pleasure in her passion, Mace said that it is not always enjoyable.

“It’s definitely not a stress reliever; it puts stress on me!” Mace said. “It makes me feel good, though.”

Mace made the all-state dance team this past fall.

“Tryouts for all-state were intimidating. Some girls trying out have danced since they were two years old,” Mace said. “I was the least experienced.”

Mace and the other ladies had two practices beforehand at Oklahoma City University.

“I met a lot of new people and became friends,” she said.

Mace plans to attend college at University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and possibly tryout for the dance team, but she is facing a dilemma.

“I know if I go on to dance at UCO, my coaches won’t be near as nice,” she said. “I love my coaches. They push me to be my best. They encourage me.”

Bootlegger coach Lisa Branum said that Mace is an amazing person both as a Bootlegger as a friend.

“McKena is one of the most talented young ladies I have been blessed to work with. One of her best qualities is her ability to allow others’ voices to be heard rather than focusing on her own voice.”

–Lisa Branum

Mace said the hardest part about leaving is knowing that she will never get to live her high school years with the people she loves again.

“I’m sad about it being my last year as a Bootlegger because I won’t ever get to dance with my teammates again.”

Sophomore Tristyn Genn said that knowing Mace is an honor.

“McKena is an amazing person and dancer,” Genn said. “I’ve had the privilege to be able to dance with her for two years. She has inspired me to do many things.”

Though Mace will soon be leaving to start a new chapter of her life, she has left a legacy in Marlow.

Destiny Nowlin

MHS exPRESS writer