Each year, the Lakeview Majorettes step into the spotlight of the musical pride of Cortland, Ohio. The Lakeview High School Marching Band unites through tradition and is driven by practice and passion. From parades to band camp and practices, to football games at Don Richard’s stadium and band nights, the 2025 majorette line has spun and twirled through every cherished moment, on and off the field, from June to the present. This year they even have a feature twirler, and it’s been over 50 years since the last one! This group doesn’t just perform; they embody a legacy.

The majorettes started off their season with the Cortland Street Fair Parade in June and band camp in July. During the 5 days spent at Hiram College, they learn their twirling routines and dance features that are performed throughout the season, and the fun activities and bonding moments create lasting friendships. 

Freshman Kara Lewis said, “My favorite band camp memory is skit night! Each section’s skit was so fun, and I loved being with my friends.”

After all the hard work at band camp and August practices, the majorettes get ready for their first band night and football game. 

There is immense thought and effort that goes into the overall appearance and little details of each dance. This year, the majorettes dance to “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees and “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago.”

Lakeview Alum, kindergarten teacher, and majorette choreographer Carrie Probst expressed, “For the majorette’s features, the costumes and props are based on the genre of each song. Each year, I research the background and time period of the songs. Inspiration for costumes and props comes from this research, and I try to pick costumes that will ‘pop’ on the football field to add some sparkle to the show!” 

The audience sees all the fun and energy through the dancing, but ‌behind the scenes is just as meaningful and full of memories. 

Junior Olivia Fell described, “We have so much fun off the field it’s hard to choose a favorite memory but if I had to pick, I would say when Mr. Sensebaugh finally asked me if I have energy in the huddle before our performance. After years of everyone pointing at me for him to call on, the whole band cheered because I was so loud.”

Lakeview’s Band Night is one of the biggest events of the season. Here, the mini majorettes also perform, showing the marching basics, twirling to Lakeview’s fight song, and presenting a short dance routine. This camp helps build skills and teamwork.

Not only were the mini majorettes featured at band night, but so were the majorette’s new sparkly summer uniforms!

Probst said, “The idea for the new uniforms came from a need for a cooler, lighter uniform. Many of our performances at the beginning of the season are during the hot weather months. The military and sequin uniforms the majorettes had were both heavy, long sleeved uniforms. The new uniforms give the option of a cooler, more comfortable look while still looking sleek and professional.”

The home band night can be a very special event, especially for seniors.

Senior Sofia Caruso explains, “My favorite part of my senior year has been our Lakeview Band Night because after we performed our show we had a standing ovation, and it was a bittersweet moment.”

It’s been a long time since Lakeview has had a feature twirler! The impressive baton twirling skills and showmanship add excitement to the field. 

Freshman and feature twirler Isabella Ott stated, “My favorite part about being a feature twirler is getting to show what I have worked basically all of my life for. I honestly don’t mind the ‘feature twirler’ attention, but I do love it when people I know come up and tell me how they admire my twirling.”

Being apart of this program is an honor and upholds a legacy. 

Caruso reflects on her four years as a majorette: “My favorite overall band memory was when we performed at The Ohio State University my sophomore year because it was so fun to perform at a big stadium, and I had a lot of fun bonding with the majorettes.”

Come support the Lakeview Majorettes during the halftime shows and their last two band nights: September 13th at Canfield and September 27th at East Palestine. 

You go, girls!