From bare feet to the white boots with the blue “M”, senior Addison Wortham has had a passion for dancing since she learned to walk.

Starting dance training at the age of eight, Wortham has now been a part of the Marlow Outlaw Bootlegger dance team since freshman year.

“Bootlegger is more than just dance lessons,” Wortham said. “Coach Branum teaches us life lessons. She teaches us how to see the world. She has prepared me for reality.”

Head Bootlegger coach Lisa Branum says that Wortham is one-of-a-kind.

“She has the ability to change the attitudes of a studio full of girls with one comment. She is a born leader and performer. She will always have a piece of my heart.”

–Lisa Branum

Along with being a leader in general, Wortham has been a squad leader and has earned the respect of her fellow dancers. Sophomore Lauryn Knox says Wortham’s positive attitude is what makes her stand out.

“Addie always brings the fun. She never fails to make us all laugh, and you’ve got to love her sassy personality,” Knox said.

Wortham says that for her, being a Bootlegger is about much more than being a dancer.

“It is about connecting and bonding as a team. No longer being a part of that team is going to be the hardest thing to step away from, but I will have many memories and believe our squad will have left a legacy for upcoming Bootleggers.”

Friday night lights at Outlaw Stadium have also been important part of Addie’s time as an Outlaw.

“Performing at halftime in our own spotlight and dancing in front of the whole town is an incredible feeling. It is a rush every time you step on that field,” Wortham said.

Wortham clearly has enjoyed her time as a Bootlegger, but she also looks forward to the next chapter in her life.

The daughter of Dena Wortham and Aaron Tatum, Addison plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to pursue a degree in occupational therapy.

Destiny Nowlin

MHS exPRESS