8-29-2017 12:25pm

Saline Senior Amanda Coy Joins US Twirling Delegation at Festival in Peru

Amanda Coy, a 16-year-old rising senior at Saline High School, will join with 13 elite baton twirlers from across the United States as the youngest member of the U.S. Twirling Delegation to Peru.

The delegation will be performing for the 67th Festival International de Primavera located in Trujillo, Peru. The Festival is held each year to celebrate the coming of spring and to raise funds for charitable causes in Peru. Baton twirlers have been an important part of the festival since 1965. As the main attraction, they perform at numerous social and charitable events, including orphanages, horse shows, a fashion show, the international flag ceremony, the Parliament, as well as several formal balls and benefits. The festival culminates in a five-mile parade through the city of Trujillo. Delegates were selected based on applications, interviews, coaches’ recommendations and twirling experience. Coy will be gone Sept. 13-26.

Most of Amanda’s trip including travel to Peru and back to Miami, food and lodging will be sponsored by the Lions Club of Trujillo. The Lions Club of Saline is helping to sponsor her roundtrip ticket from Detroit to Miami. In addition, Amanda has approached a number of Saline community, government and civic groups to help gather souvenir items to showcase her hometown of Saline/State of Michigan/United States to share with visiting international dignitaries. Amanda thanks Congressman Tim Walberg, State Representative Donna Lasinski, State Senators Rebecca Warren and Dale Zorn, Saline Mayor Brian Marl, Saline High School Principal David Raft, the Lions Club of Saline, and Saline Main Street for helping in this effort.

Coy has been twirling with the 17-time National Champion Saline Twirlettes for 13 years. She also serves as an assistant student teacher and co-captain of the Majorettes with the SHS Marching Band. At Nationals, Amanda took three first place national titles, qualified for Finals in two-baton and placed seventh in the country for the Junior Miss Majorette of America competition. She is currently the reigning Junior Miss Majorette of Michigan.

Her coach, Susan Usher said, “We are so proud of Amanda for being selected for this opportunity. I think this is a great demonstration of how hard work and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities – especially at such a young age. We know she will represent the sport of baton twirling and her hometown with pride.”

One of Amanda’s role models, Chrissy Houle – a Saline Twirlette alumnus and recent graduate of Yale University – attended the Festival as well in 2011 during her senior year at Saline High School.

Amanda shared, “Attending the International Festival de Primavera is something I have always dreamed of doing. I remember hearing about this amazing trip and service opportunity from my teammate Chrissy Houle. The trip combines my love of twirling, travel and passion for community service.”