Peggy Nelson is involved in many different things. She’s the sponsor of five different clubs and she also administers the Mandarin Chinese class. However, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Nelson.

“I’m just twirling my way through the country,” Nelson said.

Nelson is part of a dance and baton twirling group called the Diamond Dazzlers. They are based out of Florida and those who are involved get to tour the country performing for many different cities. However, the audition process is tough.

“I had to prepare a routine with the baton and the music and then I had to video tape it,” Nelson said. “Once I video taped it I sent it into the dance director.”

Baton twirling has been a major part of Nelson’s life since she was a little girl.

“My mother had always wanted to do tap dancing or twirling,” Nelson said. “I tried tap dancing but my feet got tangled together. I twirled from the time I was about seven until I was about nineteen.”

Now, therapy from a recent injury has turned her back onto the idea of baton twirling. Twirling helps relax her shoulders and it makes her feel better. Plus there are some added benefits.

“It makes me feel young!” Nelson said with a laugh.

Other than not quite having the energy she had when she was seven, Nelson says that she doesn’t really have a least favorite part of baton twirling. She practices all the time and she’s looking forward to her first competition on November 19.

“On Saturday and Sunday afternoons I come [to the school] and practice in the hallways.” Nelson said smiling.