Islettes Elite

Islettes Elite 2000-2006 News Page
Director: Heidi Sue Mumm
| Ph: 773-7139 |

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Islettes Win at National Championships - 2006

(top row left) All Star Members: Alissa Bailey, Brianna Guagliano, Ambria Tim, Samantha Kenyon, Molly Wynne and Shelbi Milkas; (middle row) Team Captain Rebecca Sobol, Anna Nicolia, Ashley Young, Stefani Rhodes, Colin Stutz, Alyssa Fuoco, Laura Dolan, Bethany Wynne and Coach Heidi Sue Mumm; (front) Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Natalia Andraccio, Joelle Scheffler, Leah Stutz and Emily Fuoco
Click photo for larger view
   The Islettes Elite All-Star National Team competed in the five-day American's Youth on Parade: National Baton Twirling Championships held July 18-22, 2006 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
   The months of practice and fundraising paid off for the 19 members as they won eight plaques, two trophies and 100 plus medals in the various group and individual events.
   At South Bend, the Islettes won the National/World Drill Team Championships and the National/World Juvenile Rifle Team Championships. The team also finished in 2nd place in Junior Rifle Team, 4th place in Flag Corps, 5th place in Junior Parade Corps, 5th place in Dance Line, and 6th place in Juvenile Large Beginner Twirl Team. The Islettes' dance twirls, pom pon routines, and half-time shows also ranked in the top twenty nationally.
   The Islettes wish to thank all businesses and individuals who supported the team's trip to the national championships.
   The Islettes will perform at the upcoming Toyfest Parade and Lewiston Peach Festival Parade. They just wrapped up performances at the Erie Co. Fair and the Buffalo Bisons game.
   To register for the 2006-07 season or for more information, call 773-7139.

Islettes Elite To Hold Hot Dog Sale, Spaghetti Dinner/Basket Raffle To Benefit Trip To AYOP, A Major Competition - 2006
The Islettes Elite will hold a hot dog sale outside of Tops on Grand Island Blvd. from Friday, May 19th through Sunday, May 21st to help pay for the cost to send 18 twirlers to the National Championships at Notre Dame University, Indiana in July.
The Islettes Elite will also host a Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Raffle on June 2nd at Trinity Church to benefit the twirlers trip to the National Championships.

Islettes Elite Members Win Miss Majorette of New York Competitions - 2005

Miss Majorettes of New York State: Shelby Milkas and Rebecca Sobol

Rose Queens: Emily Fuoco and Alissa Bailey
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   The Miss Majorette of New York baton twirling competition took place on Sunday, April 30, 2006 drawing baton twirlers from all over state to the Williamsville North High School. Participants must excel in solo baton twirling, strutting and modeling to gain the title. The winners of this pageant are eligible to compete at the national level in South Bend, Indiana in July. Rebecca Sobol was named Miss Majorette of NY in the intermediate 13-15 age category and Shelbi Milkas won Miss Majorette of NY in the novice 10-12 age category.
   Additionally the winners of the Rose Queen pageant were announced for excellence in modeling with interview. Miss Alissa Bailey and Emily Fuoco were crowned Rose Queens.
   Other members of the Islettes Elite competed in the pageants as well as open events. The Islettes National team also participated in several group events in preparation for the nationals. The Islettes Elite is coached by Heidi Sue Mumm. The soloists are coached by Mrs. Debbie Dudek, Miss Nicole Dudek and Miss Rebecca Sobol.

Miss Grand Island Majorettes Named - 2006

2006 Miss Grand Island Majorettes (front left) Emelie-Jo Scheffler and Allison Ewert; (back) Alissa Bailey, Rebecca Sobol and Alyssa Fuoco - Click photo for larger view
(right) Islettes Elite Coach Heidi Sue Mumm
   The Islettes Elite hosted a Spring Twirling Festival at the Grand Island High School on Saturday, April 8, 2006. The day long event attracted twirlers from the region to compete in solo as well as group events. Miss Heidi Sue Mumm, coach of the Islettes Elite, was the contest director and organizer.
   A pageant was held at the event to name 2006 Miss Grand Island Majorette. This part of the competition was open to Grand Island residents only who competed in modeling and solo twirling to earn the title and tiara.
   Allison Ewert was crowned Little Miss Grand Island Majorette, Juvenile Miss Grand Island Majorette is Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Pre-Teen Miss Grand Island Majorette was awarded to Alyssa Fuoco, Junior Miss Grand Island Majorette is Alissa Ann Bailey and the Senior Miss Grand Island title went to Rebecca Sobol.
   This event helped raise much needed funds for the July 2006 national championships in South Bend Indiana.

GI Twirlers at States - 2006

Ambria Tim, Shelbi Milkas, Rebecca Sobol and Alissa Bailey - Click photo for larger view
   Four members of the Islettes Elite Baton Twirling Corps represented Grand Island at the New York State Baton Twirling Championships on March 25, 2006 in Carmel, New York. Alissa Bailey, Shelbi Milkas, Rebecca Sobol and Ambria Tim took the trip across the state to compete as soloists as well as small team. Coach Heidi Sue Mumm joined the quartet on the journey for the state titles.
   Alissa Bailey took home 1st places in NYS X-strut beginner, open X-strut beginner, flag baton beginner and was named Queen in the intermediate division for modeling in the 10-12 age category. Shelbi Milkas took 1st place in NYS solo as well as open solo baton twirling both in the novice categories, 10-12 age division. Rebecca Sobol was named Queen in the intermediate division for modeling as well as earning 1st places in Open X-strut, NYS X-strut, and NYS solo competitions in the 13-15 age division. Ambria Tim earned a 1st in NYS strut, 1st in Open X-strut and was also named Queen in the novice division. The girls’ solo coaches are Nicole Dudek, Debbi Dudek and Rebecca Sobol.
   The girls preformed modified versions of their group routines competing in NYS Junior Halftime and NYS Beginner Junior Small Dance events coached by Heidi Sue Mumm, Karen Scalise and Rebecca Sobol, all of Grand Island.
   The Islettes are currently hard at work preparing to host their own Spring Twirling Festival scheduled for Saturday, April 8 at the Grand Island High School. Spectators are welcome to view solo as well as group indoor events from teams across the region.

Islettes Honor Their Own - Annual Awards Banquet - 2005

(Front) Jenna Giambra; (2nd row) Alyssa Fuoco, Laura Dolan, Stefani Rhodes, Beth Wynne, Emily Fuoco, Jessica Surace, Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Joelle Scheffler and Anna Nicolia; (back) Brianna Guagliano, Rebecca Sobol, Alissa Bailey, Jay Giambra, Ambria Tim, Molly Wynne, Shelbi Milkas, Samantha Kenyon, and Coach Heidi Sue Mumm. Missing from the photo are Alexis Byron and Katelyn Benns.

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(left) Heidi Sue Mumm with assistant instructors Alissa Bailey and Molly Wynne; Heidi Sue Mumm with instructor Rebecca Sobol
   The Islettes Elite gathered at Trinity Methodist Church on Saturday, September 17, 2005 for their ‘night of nights,’ the annual awards banquet and celebration. Each member of the Islettes including twirlers, guard members and volunteers, were honored for their participation and achievements throughout the season. Each youth member received an award highlighting their accomplishments in showmanship, corps spirit, leadership master, routine master or most improved.
   Distinguishing awards of honor were given to members whose potential and dedication to the team makes him/her invaluable to his/her unit: the Tiny Tots’ ‘Starlette’ award was received by Jenna Giambra while Jessica Surace received the Juveniles’ ‘Shooting Star’ award. The juniors’ ‘Rising Star’ award was shared by Alexis Byron and Emelie-Jo Scheffler and the seniors’ ‘Star Award’ went to Ambria Tim. The ‘All Star’ Award (presented to a national team member) was collectively won by Miss Alissa Bailey and Miss Rebecca Sobol.
   Given by the team members to a member who has been an outstanding example to his/her fellow members, young and old, and who has been a positive role model both in and out of the team is the ‘Most Valuable Islette’ award and it was presented to Molly Wynne.
   Jay Giambra, a parent volunteer, was honored to be selected for the ‘Fred Mumm VIP- Very Important Person Award’.
   The coveted ‘Director’s Award’ is given by Coach Heidi Sue Mumm to a member who has exhibited excellence in achievement, responsibility and effort. This season the entire National Team of 16 young ladies were given this honor and accolade for their spirit, support and accomplishments in attending the national baton championships in South Bend, Indiana in July. National Team members include Alissa Bailey, Katelyn Benns, Laura Dolan, Alyssa Fuoco, Emily Fuoco, Brianna Guagliano, Samantha Kenyon, Shelbi Milkas, Anna Nicolia, Stefani Rhodes, Ambria Tim, Joelle-Yvette Scheffler, Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Rebecca Sobol, Beth Wynne, and Molly Wynne.
   As attendance is so important to team sports, top attendance winners were honored. 'Warm Fuzzy' accolades went to Cathy Worrall and Lisa Guagliano for their contributions throughout the season.
   The team said thank you to their Coach and Team Leader, Miss Heidi Sue Mumm, by presenting her with a gift certificate. Thanks also went out to Mrs. Jan Mumm for all her support and assistance throughout the year. A slide show of the season highlights ended the evening.
   The new season of the Islettes begins Thursday with practices at Trinity Church. The Islettes will welcome new members and resurrect the drum corps in 2005-2006. Contact Miss Heidi Sue Mumm at 773-7139 for additional information.

Islettes Elite Enjoy Annual Family Picnic - 2005

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   Members of the Islettes’ Elite held their annual family picnic on Thursday, August 18, 2005.
   The purpose of the Islettes’ Elite is to perform and compete at local and regional events in twirling, dance and pom pon. However, the Islettes is a family oriented organization offering fun activities for the whole family throughout the season. This was one such occasion where everyone came together in celebration of a season of successful competition. The event included lots of picnic food, socializing, water balloon fights and swimming, and ending with a bonfire and S'more making. A fun-filled evening was had by all. Special thanks to the Martell’s who opened their home to the corps for this annual event.
   "The Islettes' Elite is a great organization to belong to," a spokesman for the group said this week. "We work together as a team and become a family." Registration for the upcoming season has begun. Contact Coach Heidi Sue Mumm at 773-7139 for more information. Practices begin Thursday, September 29, 2005 and are held weekly at Historic Trinity, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

Islettes Compete Nationally at AYOP - July 2005

Pictured Front: Joelle-Yvette Scheffler
2nd: Rebecca Sobol, Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Bethany Wynn, Emily Fuoco, Alissa Bailey
3rd Row: Anna Nicolia, Katelyn Benns, Laura Dolan
4th Row: Stefani Rhodes, Brianna Guagliano, Shelbi Milkas, Ambria Tim, Samantha Kenyon, Molly Wynn, Alyssa Fuoco
Top: Coach Heidi Sue Mumm - Click photo for larger view

Rebecca Sobol and Alissa Bailey: 1st place Dance Duet The team on the floor at the big gym at Notre Dame - Click photos for a larger view.
   The Islettes Elite All Star National Team traveled to South Bend, Indiana to the University of Notre Dame to compete in the five-day national baton twirling championships: America’s Youth on Parade (AYOP). After months of practice and fundraising the 16 girls made Grand Island proud by receiving 8 plaques and over 50 medals in various group and individual categories. The girls were accompanied by there beloved coach Miss Heidi Sue Mumm along with a dozen caring chaperones. The team consisted of Islanders Alissa Bailey, Katelyn Benns, Laura Dolan, Alyssa Fuoco, Emily Fuoco, Brianna Guagliano, Samantha Kenyon, Shelbi Milkas, Anna Nicolia, Stefani Rhodes, Ambria Tim, Joelle-Yvette Scheffler, Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Rebecca Sobol, Beth Wynne, and Molly Wynne.
   The team received 1st place in the National and World Rifle Team Champions in both the Juvenile and Junior levels. They received 2nd place in the National World Drill Team Championships. The Junior Dance Line Team received a 5th place in those championships and at the Junior Parade Corps Championships (with Taped Music) the girls came home with 6th.    Individual Results are as follows:
Jazz Dance Duet Age 10-12: Alissa Bailey and Rebecca Sobol 1st place
Solo Sabre Championships Junior: Alissa Bailey 2nd, Ambria Tim 3rd
Solo Rifle Spinning Championships Juvenile Girls:
Emelie-Jo Scheffler 3rd, Alyssa Fuoco 5th, Laura Dolan 6th, Brianna Guagliano 9th, and Emily Fuoco 10th
National Hoop Beginner Age 0-6: Emelie-Jo Scheffler 4th
Intermediate National-International Championship Flag Twirling Age 0-6: Emelie-Jo Scheffler 4th
Solo Color Guard Juvenile: Alyssa Fuoco 5th, Laura Dolan 6th, and Brianna Guagliano 7th
Solo Rifle Spinning Championships Junior Girls: Alissa Bailey 5th, Samantha Kenyon 6th, Ambria Tim 7th, and Shelbi Mikas 9th
All-American Girl Modeling Age 10-12: 7th Alissa Bailey
International Corps Princess Preteen: 7th Alissa Bailey
Solo Color Guard Junior: Alissa Bailey 7th, Ambria Tim 8th
National-International Championship Flag Twirling Age 0-6 Beginner: Joelle-Yvette 7th
International Corps Princess Juvenile: 8th Laura Dolan
International Corps Princess Junior: 9th Rebecca Sobol
Novice Solo Twirling Age 0-6: Emelie-Jo Scheffler 9th
Solo Color Guard Juvenile: Joelle-Yvette Scheffler 10th
   Thanks to all those business and individuals who supported the Islettes in their trip to this national competition. Look for the Islettes at the upcoming Toyfest Parade and Lewiston Peach Festival Parade. They will also be performing at the Erie County Fair and the Bisons game. Coach Heidi Sue will be holding a baton camp in August. Call 773-7139 for more information and to sign up. A new season begins in October and registration will begin shortly.

Islettes Raise Funds For National Competition Trip - 2005

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The Islettes Elite baton team worked hard this Memorial Day weekend selling hot dogs, beverages and snacks as part of their fund raising efforts to benefit a trip to a national competition. Proceeds will be used for the National Team's trip to South Bend, Indiana in July 2005 for the national twirling championships. Pictured are Coach Heidi Sue Mumm and senior members Alissa Bailey and Rebecca Sobol with some hungry customers. The Islettes appreciate all who supported the sale and remind the community of their Saturday, June 11th Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Raffle being held from 4-7 p.m. at Trinity UM Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road.

Islettes Elite To Hold Hot Dog Sale, Spaghetti Dinner/Basket Raffle To Benefit Trip To AYOP, A Major Competition - 2004
   The Islettes Elite will hold a hot dog sale outside of Tops on Grand Island Blvd. from Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th to benefit the All Star National Team. Dates and times follow:
• Friday, May 27th - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 28th - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, May 29th - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, May 30th - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
   Members of the Islettes will also host their annual spaghetti dinner/Basket-Certificate Raffle from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2005 at Trinity UM Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. This event will also benefit the All Star National Team.
   Sixteen members of the Islettes’ Elite have qualified to represent Grand Island as All Stars at the National Baton Twirling Championships in July 2005 in South Bend, Indiana. Team Captain Rebecca Sobol will also represent NY in the Miss Majorette of America Pageant. The Islettes’ Elite is a not-for-profit children’s group with members ranging in age from 2 years to 16 years of age. They are local, state, regional and three-time national champions. During these all day fundraisers, families from all over New York will be in attendance. The team must raise the needed funds to pay for entry fees, shelter, food and transportation. Team members have been working hard to perfect routines and drills in preparation for the weeklong championship event. "Please come out and support Grand Island’s twirling ambassadors," Islettes director Heidi Sue Mumm said this week.

Islettes Elite Twirlers Named Miss Majorette In State Competition - 2005

(Left) Alissa Bailey, Emelie-Jo Scheffler and Rebecca Sobol named Miss Majorette of NY - (right) Islettes representing Grand Island at the New York State competition: (front) Shelbi Milkas, Alyssa Fuoco, Emelie-Jo Scheffler, Laura Dolan; (back) Ambria Tim, Alissa Bailey and Rebecca Sobol. Missing from photo is Katelyn Benns
   Three members of the Islettes Elite Baton Twirling Corps of Grand Island, NY were named Miss Majorette of New York State in a competition held on April 17, 2005 in Amherst, New York. Competitors in Miss Majorette are judged on a solo baton routine (40%), strutting (40%) and modeling (20%) which includes interview. Rebecca Sobo defended her title and was named Miss Majorette in the 13-15 beginners age division for the second year in a row. Alissa Bailey also repeated her reign in the novice 10-12 age division and Emelie-Jo Scheffler received the honor in the novice 0-6 age category.
   Katelyn Benns was crowned Rose Queen in the 10-12 novice category for her excellence in modeling and interview.
   Other members of the Islettes Elite and residents of the Island who competed in the open divisions of the baton competition are Ambria Tim, Shelbi Milkas, Laura Dolan, Anna Nicolia, Brittney Ducette, Brieanna Guagliano, and Joelle-Yvette Scheffler. The motto of the NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association) is ‘winning is participating.’
   Grand Island had strong representation at the competition with Karen Scalise an Isle resident participating as one of the nine competition judges. Congratulations to Erika Ewert also of Grand Island representing the Royalettes of Niagara Falls, who was named Miss Majorette in the novice, age 6-9 age category.
   Miss Heidi Sue Mumm coaches the Islettes Elite and soloists are coached by Debbie and Nicole Dudek. Several members of the Islettes Elites are looking forward to participation in the national competition at Notre Dame in Indiana this July. They will compete in solo as well as group events. Watch for the Islettes Elite at our hometown parade, celebrating the 4th of July.

Islettes Honor Their Own - 2004

   The Islettes Elite gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 25, 2004 for the annual awards banquet and celebration. Each member of the Islettes including twirlers, guard members and volunteers, were honored for their participation and achievements throughout the season. Youth member Miss Ashley Giambra received the ‘Most Valuable Islette award. Twirler, Samantha Kenyon received the ‘Star’ award. Honored with the ‘Rising Star’ award was Anna Nicolia, while Jordyn Giambra received the ‘Starlette’ award. ‘Director's Award’ went to Mrs. Cathy Worrall, a volunteer coordinator, and the ‘VIP’ award was given to Mrs. Cheryl Bailey the team’s photographer.
   As attendance is so important to team sports, top attendance winners were honored. Jordyn Giambra, Samantha Kenyon, Katelyn Benns, Brianna Guagliano, Brittney Ducette, Alyssa Fuoco and Rebecca Sobol all received top honors for participation at all practices and performances.
   'Warm Fuzzy' accolades went to Cathy Worrall and Lisa Guagliano for their contributions throughout the season.
   The Islettes said goodbye to Mrs. Barb Sobol upon her retirement as a unit coordinator after 11 years. Retiring from the ‘street’ after 32 years was Mrs. Jan Mumm. Mrs. Mumm will remain as the office manager of the team.
   Team members expressed appreciation to their coach and team leader, Miss Heidi Sue Mumm, by presenting her with a digital camera. Thanks also went out to Mrs. Jan Mumm for all her support and assistance throughout the year.
   The new season of the Islettes began this month with practices every Thursday at Trinity Church. "We are pleased to welcome new members and are happy to announce the resurrection of the drum corps to the 2004-2005 season," Miss Mumm said.
   Please contact Miss Heidi Sue Mumm at 773-7139 for additional information.

Islettes Complete 2004 Season - 2004

Islettes perform at America’s Fair and Toyfest Parade (right)

Islettes participated in the Lewiston Peach Festival Parade - Oldest guest twirler Rose Netter
Click photos for a larger view.
    The Islettes Elite have ended their season with activities and appearances around Western New York. The local twirling team numbers 54 members.
   The Islettes performed August 15, 2004 at America’s Fair (formally known as the Erie County Fair). This was an opportunity for the corps to showcase both group and solo routines for fair goers, on the Community Stage.
   The Islettes provided pre-game entertainment for the Bisons at Dunn Tire Park on August 23rd. "The senior line impressed the crowd with fire baton, while the little ladybugs brought ooos and ahaas from the baseball fans," a spokesman for the group said this week.
   The group also performed in the Toyfest parade on August 28th in East Aurora.
    The twirlers had the opportunity to perform for the Grand Island community at the Town Hall gazebo on September 2 when they showcased their talents in twirling, pon pom and dance. The highlight of the evening came when members of the group were asked to pick a family member or friend to join them in a baton routine, "not an easy task."
   The final parade of the season was the Peach Festival on Saturday, September 11, 2004 where the Islettes Elite marched and preformed down Center Street in Lewiston. As a novelty routine, parents, siblings and even grandparents were asked to join the team on the parade route and twirl to “We Are Family.” The oldest guest twirler was Rose Netter, the 68-year-old grandmother of member Alissa Bailey.
   The members end the season next weekend with a celebratory banquet where all members will be honored for their hard work and dedication.
   Those interested in being a part of this family orientated, Island based youth group are asked to contact Miss Heidi Sue Mumm, 773-7139 for more information and to register. The new season begins in October.

Islettes Elite To Perform September 2nd - 2004
The Islettes Elite will hold an open community performance from 6:15-7:15 p.m. Thursday, September 2, 2004 at Historic Trinity's gymnasium, 2100 Whitehaven Road. The show will feature the Islettes' littlest Ladybugs all the way up to the Islettes National Championship Team. All are welcome.

Islettes Elite Win National Title - 2004

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Islettes Elite National Team members (front left) Brianna Guagliano, Alyssa Fuoco, Brittney Ducette, Laura Dolan, Emily Fuoco, Emelie Scheffler and Joelle Scheffler; (back) Coach Heidi Sue Mumm, Samantha Kenyon, Ambria Tim, Rebecca Sobol, Alissa Bailey, Shelbi Milkas and Samantha Ducette.
   The Islettes Elite National Team spent a week of their summer vacation competing in America's Youth On Parade which brings together the best baton twirlers, teams, and corps in the world for a series of National and World Championship events. A.Y.O.P. championships are held each year at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.
   They returned as the Junior National and World Rifle Team Champions. The Islettes Elite National Team also placed 2nd in Juvenile Rifle Team, 9th in Twirl Team, 10th in Dance Twirl, 11th in Pom Pon and 13th in Half Time. In addition, the girls competed in national and world championship solo events, bring home 28 individual medals. Rebecca Sobol, Alyssa Bailey and Emily Fuoco are all reigning Miss Majorettes of New York in their respective divisions.
   The Islettes Elite Majorettes has openings in all age groups for the 2004-2005 team. Registration opens August 12, 2004. Call Heidi Sue Mumm, 773-7139, for information.

Islettes Win In Miss Majorette of New York State Contest - April 2004

Alissa Bailey, Rebecca Sobol and Emily Fuocco named Miss Majorette of NY
   Three Grand Island youth and members of the Islettes Elite were named Miss Majorette of New York State in a competition held on April 18 in Amherst, New York. Competitors in Miss Majorette are judged on a solo baton routine (40%), strutting (40%) and modeling (20%) which includes interview. Rebecca Sobol was named Miss Majorette in the 13-15 beginners age division. Alissa Bailey won the novice 10-12 age division and Emily Fuocco received the honor in the novice 0-6 age category.
   Alyssa Fuocco was crowned Rose Queen in the 7-9 novice category for her excellence in modeling and interview.
   Other members of the Islettes Elite competed in the open divisions of the baton competition. They are Joelle and Emily-Jo Scheffler, Ambria Tim and Katelyn Benns. Ambria Tim and Rebecca Sobol received a 1st place in a duet baton routine.
   The 52 members of the Islettes Elite participated in four group events capturing four 1st place wins.
   Miss Heidi Sue Mumm coaches the Islettes Elite as well as most of the soloists. Sixteen members of the Islettes Elite national team are looking forward to participation in the national competition at Notre Dame in Indiana in July 2004. They will compete in solo as well as group events.

Islettes Elite - Practice Makes Perfect - January 2004

Islettes Elite practice for the summer parade season - Click 2nd and 3rd photos for a larger view.
   While Grand Island is buried under a winter blanket of snow, the Grand Island Islettes Elite are thinking summer! The Islettes Elite have been tirelessly practicing for the 2004 parade season. All 52 youth members practice weekly on their baton tricks and twirls along with pompon and cheering, in anticipation of warmer weather and many parades. The group has almost doubled in the last year allowing director Heidi Sue Mumm to develop more formations and more interesting routines.
   Director Heidi Sue is assisted by teachers Aerika Backland and Rebecca Sobol. Teachers in training include Alissa Ann Bailey and Molly Wynne. The Islettes hope to send a select group to the national competition, America’s Youth on Parade, held at Notre Dame each July.
   The Grand Island Independence parade is only five months away; only 20 practices before the group performs for their home town.

Islettes Elite Holds Awards Banquet - September 2003

Front left: Alissa Bailey, Alyssa Fuoco, Katelyn Benns, Emily Fuoco; (middle) Samantha Ducette, Stefanie Rhodes; (top) Aerika Backlund, Rebecca Sobol, Jan Mumm, Heidi Sue Mumm, Barbara Sobol
The Islettes Elite annual awards banquet was held September 20, 2003 in Trinity United Methodist Church. The following accomplished twirlers, guard members and volunteers received awards:

Starlette Award - Emily Fuoco, for showing the most potential and dedication to the tiny tot and juvenile majorettes

Rising Star Award - Katelyn Benns, for demonstrating the most potential and dedication in the junior corps.

Star Award - Samantha Ducette, captain, for her potential and dedication to the corps making her invaluable to her team.

Star Award - Stefanie Rhodes, captain, for her potential and dedication to the corps making her invaluable to her team.

Most Valuable Islette - Alissa Ann Bailey and Alyssa Fuoco

Warm Fuzzy Award - volunteers Barbara Sobol and Cheryl Bailey

Directors Award - Aerika Backlund, Rebecca Sobol and Jan Mumm

Very Important Person Award - Barbara Sobol

Islettes Elite Enjoy Family Picnic - 2003

The Islettes’ family picnic was held on Thursday, August 21, 2003. All members of the corps and their families joined in on an evening of swimming, games and food.

Islettes Elite Perform at Erie County Fair

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The Islettes’ Elite Dance Twirl and All Star Cheer team added another first to the history books on August 16, 2003 as they were the first baton corp to perform on the Community Stage at the Erie County Fair. Fair goers were dazzled by a variety of routines performed by the group under the direction of Miss Heidi Sue Mumm. Baton, fire baton, two-baton, rifle, dance, pom-pons, cheerleading and half-time routines were all demonstrated. Special choreography and costuming to the Wiz, Dr. Suess, and Mickey Mouse were all audience favorites.
The Islettes’ Elite are an all youth team founded on Grand Island in 1987. The members are national, regional and local champions. The Islettes’ Elite perform and compete at local and regional events. However, the Islettes is a family oriented organization offering fun activities for the whole family throughout the year. "Twirling, dance and cheerleading are activities which build character and teach valuable life lessons," Miss Mumm says. She will begin a new season October 9, 2003. For more information or to join the Islettes’ Elite, contact Miss Heidi Sue at 773-7139.

Islettes Begin Parade Season

Top left; Emily Szabo and Beth Wynne of the Juveniles - Top right: Rachel Fox, Miss Heidi and Jessica Sutter of the Color Guard - Bottom left: The Junior line prepares to perform - Bottom right: Alissa Bailey of the Senior Line demonstrates
The Islettes Elite kicked off parade season by participating in the West Seneca parade on June 28, 2003 under the direction of Miss Heidi Sue Mumm. The senior line had an opportunity to show off their new fire baton twirling skills to the music “Hot, Hot, Hot” while the juniors entertained the crowd twirling to “Conga Beat” and the juvenile and tiny tots stole their hearts as they performed to “Hey Mickey.”
An encore performance was given for the hometown crowd at Grand Island’s own 4th of July parade. The Islettes' schedule, which includes many parades and performances, will be highlighted by demonstrations at the Erie County Fair as well as an upcoming Bisons game. The members are also looking forward to marching for the Canal Fest in the Tonawandas, the Peach Festival in Lewiston and the Toy Fest in East Aurora. In addition to their participation in area parades, the Islettes contribute to the community by entertaining at local events. Fun filled, family activities are also a part of the organization plans and philosophy. The Islettes currently have 39 members in addition to a dozen volunteer coordinators. For more information, contact Miss Heidi at 773-7139.

Islettes Learn The Art of Fire Baton Twirling

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Coach Mumm hands fire baton to Ambria Tim while Samantha Kenyon, Rebecca Sobol, Alissa Bailey and Molly Wynn watch and learn. Other photos from left show Instructor Heidi Sue, and students Alissa, Ambria, Molly, Rebecca and Samantha. Click photos for larger view.
   The Islettes’ Elite Senior Corps, under the instruction and coaching of Miss Heidi Sue Mumm, held the first in a series of fire baton clinics on Saturday, June 7, 2003. Coordining the clinics are Barb Sobol and Jan Mumm. Participants, including Rebecca Sobol, Alissa Bailey, Samantha Kenyon, Ambria Tim, and Molly Wynne, were educated in the precautions related to the art of fire twirling. The students learned how to soak, light and handle the fire baton.
   At future seminars they will review the lecture materials, have hands on practice of basic skills and work in small groups with the instructor. All participants must complete a written as well as a twirling test before they are allowed to march in parades using the fire batons. Those who pass all stages of the training will be demonstrating their skills at Grand Island’s 4th of July parade as well as other parades around the area.
   For more information on the Islettes, contact Heidi Sue at 773-7139.

Islettes Perform at Elderwood

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As part of their community service program, the Islettes' Elite recently performed for the residents of Elderwood Health Care Center at Riverwood. Those in attendance enjoyed having the twirlers come to entertain them and were very receptive to the children. The members performed solo, duet and team routines using batons, flags, hoops and pom pons. The residents especially enjoyed the girls' salute to the USA and joined along in singing the songs. The Islettes' Elite are accepting new members in twirling, dance, tumbling and cheerleading. Call Miss Heidi Sue Mumm, 773-7139, for information.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your mission statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.