Students unlock athleticism and passion through step
By Dyuce Woodson
May 3, 2023–When Kentra Williams first started at Semple Elementary School, she noticed the school didn’t have a step team.
“I think we kind of box our kids in sometimes when it comes to athletics and athleticism, and sometimes everyone’s not a basketball player or a cheerleader,” Williams said. “People have other talents. And so for me, it’s just good at the elementary level to introduce something so that they can figure out what I am good at.”
Seven years ago, Williams – who’s also a guidance counselor at Semple – created a step team. She still leads the program that offers students a way to unlock a new passion. Through step, students are also able to call themselves athletes.
“A lot of people think step is not a sport, but step is a sport,” said Semple fifth grade student Trinity H.
The inaugural step show competition was put on by Jefferson County Public Schools Athletics. In total, eight schools participated in the event, including four high schools and three middle schools. Semple was the only elementary school in the elementary division.
Next year, Williams is hopeful that the team will have some competition at the elementary level. But for now, she’s happy to see students participate and fall in love with step.
“For me, it’s just like showing them that there’s life outside of the classroom in a way that is exciting for them to grow and blossom.”