Chester High School honored its senior Dance members in the annual Football Senior Night for all sports on October 24th, 2025. These seniors included Hayden Cartwright, Megan Zimmer, Annah Helvey Ahring, and Southern LaChance.
Our first dance senior is Hayden Cartwright. Cartwright has been on the dance team for four years. She chose to join the team because she was inspired by her sister, who also danced in her high school years. Her favorite dance memory is the 2025 competition season, where the team qualified for state with not just one routine but both, which is a first for the program. If she had to give any advice, it would be to practice and stretch. The way to improve is to practice outside of school. After high school, Cartwright plans to pursue a degree in nursing.
Our second dance senior is Megan Zimmer. Zimmer has been on the dance team for one year. She chose to join the team because it seemed like a fun experience, and she wanted to be a part of a team again. Her favorite memory is the team-bonding Thanksgiving party. If she had any advice, it would be to try your best even if you’re scared to mess up. After high school, Zimmer plans to attend college to study music education.
Our third senior is Annah Helvey Ahring. Ahring has been on the dance team for four years. She chose to join the team because, ever since she was little, she has loved dancing. She and her sister would often make up routines just to show their mom. Ahring’s favorite memory is making the dance team her freshman year. This was the time when she had the most love and passion for the sport, so it truly meant a lot to her. If she had any advice, it would be to have fun no matter what. You always have an audience, but make the best of it and enjoy yourself. After high school, Ahring plans to attend college to pursue a career in education.
Our fourth dance senior is Southern LaChance. She has been on the dance team for three years. She chose to join the dance team because the environment seemed appealing to her, and it was something new that she wanted to try. LaChance’s favorite memory is all of them; the bond with the girls is very special. There’s not one thing she would change about her experience with dance. State weeks also always stood out as a great time. If she had any advice, it would be to practice a lot, but have fun while doing it. After high school, LaChance plans to attend SEMO to pursue a career in elementary education, as well as continue dancing as a Sundancer at SEMO.
