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A letter from the TJC President and CEO Welcome to the 2021 Apache Belles Spring Show! Dearest Beautiful People, Our beloved Tyler Junior College continues to lead the way in every aspect of our core values, which include unity, caring, integrity, empowerment, and excellence. I celebrate the vision of the Board of Trustees, the leadership of the Executive Cabinet and Administration, and the commitment to excellence by the faculty and staff, for the unwavering commitment to student and community success. TJC is a caring institution, and we stand wholeheartedly in solidarity with all of our family and friends who experienced hardship in 2020. The 2021 year also began with challenges, but again, bold and courageous leaders emerged from all sectors of our world class, premier, and award-winning institution, fully embodying the aforementioned values, taking TJC to a higher level of excellence. Today, I am delighted to welcome you to Apache Nation, the home of the Black and Gold, and to the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center, a true facility masterpiece that became a reality because of great philanthropists and supporters, empowering others to the point of excellence. To the TJC Foundation and to all supporters, “Thank you!” Of paramount importance, we celebrate and honor all TJC alumni, who are without a doubt the most impressive alumni base anywhere, and we will continue to do our very best to honor the legacy of our distinguished Belle Gold! As a united TJC, I invite you to enjoy each other’s company, share your appreciation with the very special people who made the 2021 Apache Belles Spring Show a reality, applaud loudly, and live the Apache Belle legacy to its fullest! Kick it up 73rd and 74th!
Juan E. Mejia President & CEO
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WHERE THERE IS LIGHT... ACT I
….there is a Fresh Start.
“You’ve got the green light” Choreographed by: Christy Evans ….there is Adventure “Bright Lights Big City” Choreographed by: Sarah Gourley Idziak ….there is Color. “Neon Lights” Choreographed by: Mikey Trasoras ….there is No Darkness. “Let there be Light” Choreographed by Katy McMichael ….there is Love. “Moonlight and Roses” Choreographed by: Selena Streenz ….there is Beauty. “Twilight” Choreographed by: Dynasti Jefferson …..there is a chance to DREAM. “Name in Lights” Choreographed by: Christy Evans …..you can lead others. “Light the Way”- Apache Belle Sophomores Choreographed by: Christy Evans iv
Apache Belles Spring Show
WHERE THERE IS LIGHT... ACT II …..there is Movement. “Speed of Light” Choreographed by: Christy Evans .…there is Reflection. “Reflect the Light” Choreographed by: Jessica McClure Hardesty ….there is Lightning. “Lightning”- Apache Belle Elite Choreographed by: Christy Evans ….. there is Laughter. “It’s Lit”- Belle Guards Choreographed by: Gaby Contreras & Meagan Smith ….there are memories “Hold on to the Memories”- Officers of the 73rd Line Choreographed by: Officers of the 73rd Line …there is a chance to shine. “Revelation” Choreographed by: Maddie Jones & Christy Evans ….there are wishes. “Starlight Starbright”
Choreographed by: Christy Evans
…we have to keep it burning. “Keeper of the Flame” Vocals by Samantha Tolentino Video by Landry Fowler & Samantha Tolentino ….there is Light at the End of the Tunnel. “Last Dance” Choreographed by: Ruth Flynn & Christy Evans
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Behind the Scenes Production and Direction Jasilyn Schaefer, Apache Belles Director Christy Evans, Artistic Director & Choreographer
Video Production Reece McKinney Sound Production GG Media Production
Production Manager Bryce McWilliams
Graphic Design & Program Production Susie Bell & Jeremy Strickland
Stage Managers Robbie Wilt
Publicity Elise Mullinix
Sound & Lighting Technicians Juan Hernandez & Jerremy Woods
Merchandise Sales Kappa Kappa Psi - National Honorary Band Fraternity
Projection Coordinator Timothy Wright
Box Office Sales and Costume Alteration Julie Crawford
Costume Selection Christy Evans & Jasilyn Schaefer
Sophomore Belles Schools & Majors Head Dance Captain: Katy McMichael - TCU/ Pre-Occupational Therapy Dance Captain: Avery Davis - A&M/ Communications Dance Captain: Gabi Mantecon - University of North Texas/ Dance & Emergency Management Dance Captain: Thelma Medrano - Universiry of Houston/ Business Marketing Dance Captain: Grace Soules - Entrepreneur Dance Industry Shirlye Bañuelos - University of Houston/ Dance & Kinesiology Megan Chambliss - High Dessert Medical College Oceanside California/ Medical Sonography Gaby Contreras - Texas State/ Public Relations Landry Fowler - TJC Radiology Program Charliesia Gill - Sam Houston State University/ Dance & Kinesiology Minor McKinley Gregg - Texas State University / Business April Johnson - Tarleton State University/ Elementary Education Misty Jones - Aveda Cosmetology in Austin Jordyn Kerr - Texas Woman’s University/ Nursing Ashley Sims - University of Texas Arlington/ Kinesiology Kendal Smith - University of North Texas/ Biology Meagan Smith - UT Tyler/ Kinesiology Julianna Tamayo - University of North Texas/ Dance & Kinesiology Samantha Tolentino - Hendrick Health Hospital/ X Ray Tech Program Emmalie Thompson - Texas State University/ Nursing Chloe Walker - Texas State University/ Dance Education Beatrice White - Universiry of Mary Hardin Baylor/ Physical Education Olivia Wright -University of North Texas/ Biology 2
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Officers
Katy McMichael Head Dance Captain Weatherford, TX Grace Soules Dance Captain Hallsville, TX
Gabi Mantecon Dance Captain Denton, TX Avery Davis Dance Captain Deer Park, TX
Thelma Medrano Dance Captain League City, TX
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2020-2021 Apache Belles
Head Dance Captain - Katy McMichael- Weatherford Dance Captain - Grace Soules- Hallsville Dance Captain - Gabi Mantecon- Denton Dance Captain - Thelma Medrano- League City Dance Captain - Avery Davis- Deer Park Sophomores
Freshmen
Belle Guards
Shirlye Bañuelos- Garland Megan Chambliss- Joshua Gaby Contreras- Fort Worth Landry Fowler- Arp Charliesia Gill- Houston McKinley Gregg- Kilgore April Johnson- Joshua Misty Jones- Tyler Jordyn Kerr- Denton Ashley Sims- Marshall Kendal Smith- Burleson Meagan Smith- Hallsville Julianna Tamayo- Jacksonville Emmalie Thompson- Victoria Samantha Tolotino- Abilene Chloe Walker- Waco Beatrice White- Belton Olivia Wright- Denton
Savanna Boe- Burleson Reagan Brown- Arlington Cydney Cassidy- Montgomery Keslie Cook- Lindale Brie Cross- Richardson Ariel Dagnino- Euless Alaina Gunn- Frisco Bricky Guiffre- Azle Cassidy Henderson- Lantana Ashley Jeffrey- Rockwall Amirah Kern- Milwaukee, Wisconsin Cassie Linthicum- Ft. Worth Lily Miller- Midlothian Haley Neely- Waxahachie Natalie Minyard-Graham MaKenna Ross- Longview Joselyn Saenz- Alvin
John Wofford- Rusk Cristopher Reyes- Jacksonville Caden Clark- Tyler
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The 73rd Line To the our sweet 73: “The Line is Long and the Circle is Unbroken” is something we say about The Apache Belle organization and it’s long standing legacy. But never has it been more true than THIS year with YOUR line. You have stood in the gap, weathered disappointments and, in the midst of it all, have found things to be grateful for all while fighting hard to maintain traditions and pass down the Apache Belle legacy. Our hearts burst with joy as we finally get to see you take the stage and experience your first and last Apache Belle Spring Show. Two years’ worth of work on display in five shows and you deserve every round of applause and standing ovation for all that you have accomplished. Because of you, the Apache Belles will continue to challenge, grow and mold women into resilient leaders who will change the lives of others. From your first step in opener to your final bow in Last Dance, may this show make all your dreams come true. Many Apache Belle Bellesings, Mrs. Schaefer and Mrs. Evans
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Apache Belles Elite
Beatrice White - Sophomore Julianna Tamayo - Sophomore Kendall Smith - Sophomore Ariel Dagnino - Freshman Emmalie Thompson - Sophomore McKenna Ross - Freshman Gabi Mantecon - Sophomore Charliesia Gil - Sophomore
Grace Soules - Sophomore Cydney Cassidy - Freshman Katy McMichael - Sophomore Alaina Gunn - Freshman Avery Davis - Sophomore Samantha Tolentino - Sophomore Thelma Medrano - Sophomore
Special Thanks from the Apache Belles Dr. Juan Mejia Dr. Deana Sheppard Susan Farrington, Director - Alumni Relations Elise Mullinix, Marketing & Publicity Susie Bell, Spring Show Graphic Jeremy Strickland, Director of Bands Julie Crawford, Apache Band and Belles Secretary
Dr. Tim Drain, Associate Vice Provost Student Affairs Kevin Vest, TJC Director, Intercollegiate Athletics Thomas Rocco, TJC Football Coach Eddy McGuire, Head Athletic Trainer & Staff Gary Gibbons, music and voice overs Reese McKinney
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Directors
Jasilyn Schaefer Director
Christy Evans Artistic Director & Choreographer
Belle Guards Chris, John and Caden You have weathered this year with us. We are so grateful for all your help, encouragement, laughter and all the ice packs you’ve provided! Enjoy your shining moment! Your Apache Belles of 7374 8
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Former Directors
Mildred Stringer
Al Gilliam
Founding Director
1948 - 1984
1946 - 1963
Eva Saunders
Anna Carpenter Lee
1963 - 1976
Candy Crocker Jordan 1981-1982 WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
1976-1981
Athena Russels 1982-1984
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Ruth Flynn 1984 - 2010
Olivia Wright 73RD LINE
OLIVIA, CONGRATULATIONS SWEET GIRL WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT COLLEGE ADVENTURE HAS IN STORE FOR YOU! WE LOVE YOU, MA AND PA
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McKinley Gregg 73rd line Apache Belle
We are so proud of you, McKinley!
Love your family WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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a, the n f e an uli ud o hav , J ar ro ou ess De so p an y ndn re om r ki ter a h e u de W ng w . Yo laug insi u d he e to d t n yo om , an n io c e be smil from pass ms a s a a e r iat ou r dre n h the d ra t. Y ou atio of ut u e y o o ic e su ded som re ab for r pu our een mi ing e b d ch y W a s . ay we rea tars u w o l a ngs eep d s ee y p n i th u. K n a to s ht u o yo mo ait d lig you d w e e n th an't m a Lov , Da c for e. om n g r a e p e st s, M stia th che hri C n bu and WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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73
GABI MANTECON
Dance Captain
Sophomore Gabi, I'm so proud of what you do and how you do it. You are the light of my life! Love, Mom Proud of you, 'Roo! Love, Dad
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Photos © 2021 Cripple Bypass Photography
Apache Belles Spring Show
LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES
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l e a h c i M c M Katy 73rd Line Head Dance Captain Chaplain Freshmen Representative
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CHARLIESIA
GILL
73RD LINE ELITE
To my amazing daughter Charliesia always remember you are brave, you are beautiful, and you are very intelligent never forget that I love you. I know you haven't had the easiest life but you always persevered! I'm so proud of everything you've achieved in life this far. Love, Momma
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KENDALL SMITH 7 3R D LI N E A PA CH E BE LLE
I am so proud to be your mom and love you very much Kendall aka Chicken! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! WHERE THERE IS LIGHT 23 Mom Love,
GABY
Soc
CONTRERAS
73rd line
ial m edia
r e c offi
To say that we are proud of you would be an understatement. You have accomplished so many amazing things in these last two years and we are very excited for your future. Continue to work hard and reach for your dreams. Love ,
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73rd Line Sophomore
Samantha Tolen tino
Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible. -Mandy Hale
Historian Elite 28
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Emmalie Thompson 7 3 R D
L I N E
It's not enough to say you have exceeded all our expectations both as an athlete and a student. To say we are very proud of you just isn't enough, so all we can say is we love you and we are behind you all the way. Your future will be very bright. Love, Mom and Dad WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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•
E L I T E
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Apache Belles Spring Show
n o s n h o J l i r p A 73rd Line Apache Belle
We are so proud of you and what you have accomplished. We can’t wait to see what’s to come in your future. We love you so much, Daddy and Mama WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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ALAINA GUNN 74TH LINE
Alaina - We are so excited to see you take the stage - and the field - as a beautiful Apache Belle. Watching you express yourself through dance has always brought us so much joy. Enjoy the journey and cherish every moment. We love you! Dad, Mama, Ian, & Allison
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Apache Belles Spring Show
Amirah Kern
Amirah, you have been so resilient this school year! We are so proud of you and We love you! Monica & Eugene
74th Apache Belle Freshman
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Apache Belles Spring Show
Haley Neeley Haley, If pride in our daughter is the fuel of a parents happiness, You can be certain that we will NEVER be sad.
We Love You! Mom and Dad
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Lily Miller Lily Bug, One breath & One step at a time! Our motto for the year. The Lord has been faithful to fill you with strength, courage, determination and endless grace. Keep your eyes on Him! We love you and couldn’t be more proud of you! DAD, Mom, Bailey, Sean, Maverick, & Ellie
Joshua 1:5 First and Last
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Natalie Minyard 74TH
APACHE
BELLE
Dancing with the feet is one thing, Dancing with the heart is another. Love Dad, LeRoyce, Alex, Aaron, Garret& Genna
Since you were a little girl, dancing has been your passion. You were born to be on stage doing what you love. Watching you is a treat!! Keep shining hermosa!! We love you!!~Love Mom, Alex & Aaron
LINE
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Apache Belles Spring Show
Bricky Guiffre
74th Line Apache Belle So very proud of all your accomplishments in dance and beyond. Always remember to smile that beautiful smile along your journey. Love Mom, Bub and Bethanie
Brie Cross Congratulations, Brie, on making the 74th line. We are so proud of your dedication and hard work. All the love! - Your whole family
74TH LINE
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DID YOU KNOW: POSSUMS ARE NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY MARSUPIAL!
AL OUR POSSUM PAL
7374 CLASS PET 40
Apache Belles Spring Show
72nd line: Your time as an Apache Belle ended very quietly- the lights, sequins, confetti, and music of the theater were strangely silent as the entire world was digesting the unknown. Our little corner of East Texas wasn’t sure if anything would ever return to “normal,” but one thing was for sure- for the first time since 1984 the Apache Belles would not be on the stage performing their Spring Show. Nothing about last Spring felt right, and while we can never give you back what has already passed we wanted to take the opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude at your positivity and the way you have cheered on 73 this year. You will always hold a special place in our hearts as you reminded us never to take a single practice or performance for granted. On March 5th we ran through our entire Spring Show. It would be the last time we would all be together- and no one even knew it. Now as we gather again I hope you find a bit of closure as once again the lights come up, the music plays, and the confetti falls on “Fire” once again. May your road always lead back to Tyler. Love, Mrs. Schaefer & Mrs. Evans LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES
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Emilia Medina I
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First and Last
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Autumn Cox Head Dance Captain 72nd Line
What a beautiful journey this has been to watch you grow into the woman you are today. There is no doubt that God has big plans for you. We are the proudest parents and family! With much love, Mom, Dad, Meme, Papa and Family 46
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Thank you to our amazing directors, 71,72,73 and my family for all the love and memories over the past two years. LILLY
CAPETILLO
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DANCE CAPTAIN
Addie Howard
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
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We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Travis, Emmy, Kelsey, & Jake
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We are so proud of you and can not wait to see what your future holds! -Mom, Dad, Seth, and Mimi WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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MADISON SMITH
S E V E N T Y - S E C O N D
L I N E
We are so proud of you and what you have accomplished. We admire your dedication and drive to pursue your dreams. We love you! Dad, Miranda, Grammy, PaPa Charlie, Bri, Ryan and Ali
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16 54
Apache Belles Spring Show
The pain that you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming. -Romans 8:18
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BREANNA Yocum
Dance Captain Thank you to the Apache Belle organization for giving me the most wonderful experience I could have ever asked for. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to help lead my teammates and friends. Belles is so much more than dance; it's friendship, community, life lessons, and a forever bond. I will always be grateful for the time I had in Tyler. Thank you for all the memories! Oh how I love the Apache Belles! -Breanna Yocum 72nd Line
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Ashley
72nd Line
Howell
I am beyond blessed to have been given endless opportunities under the direction of Mrs. Schaefer and Mrs. Evans. The friendships I have made will be forever cherished. My time on Apache Belles was an experience of a lifetime and it has truly been an honor. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" -Eleanor Roosevelt 56
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Sisters Natalie, I am so proud of you and the beautiful Belle you have become. I can't wait to share the stage with you. Love, Landry
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Keslie, I am so proud of the beautiful Belle that you have become this year, I can’t wait to watch you as a sophomore next year! I am so excited to dance our very first spring show as Apache Belles together! Love you forever!<3 Love, Grace
Julianna, Keslie, Grace Julianna and Grace, What a blessing you two have been in my life. Thank you for making my freshman year absolutely amazing. There is no one else I would rather share this sisterhood with. I have so much love for each of you and can not wait to see where life takes you. Love, your little sis Keslie, You are the most beautiful, funny, sassy, sweet, smart girl. I hope you know how proud I am of you. I can’t wait to see you shine through your first spring show. I am so thankful Belles brought us together, you are such a perfect sister. I love you lots Kes!! Love, your big julianna
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Kendall Reagan Reagan, I am so proud of everything you've accomplished this year.I will forever cherish our memories together! Love, Kendall
Kendall, I love you so much! I'm so grateful to call you my big as well as my best friend. I couldn't imagine Belles without you-thank you so much! Love you forever WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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April & Bricky
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ALL ALONG THERE WAS SOME
Invisi
GABI•ALAINA•BRIE
String TYING YOU TO ME
© 2021 CRIPPLE BYPASS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Apache Belles Spring Show
LONE STAR STATE OF MIND WHERE THERE IS LIGHT
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Cyd, I have known since our first conversation that our bond would be unbreakable. I have loved every second of being your friend, and sister. Watching you dance brings tears to my eyes, I am so amazed of your ability. You are strong, talented, hardworking, and so so caring. I cannot wait to see what your future holds, and I am so honoured to be by your side every step of the way. I love you so much Cydney! forever & always my sis xoxo, Kinley
McKinley and Shirlye, I’m so blessed to call y’all my bigs. Both of you have made a huge impact on my life and are constantly pushing me to be the best person I can be. I’m so thankful for the sisterhood we have now and excited for what’s beyond this moment. I love you both to the moon and stars. Love, your little
Cydney, I always consider opportunity to meet someone as caring and as beautiful as you. I am so proud of you for getting through your first year of Belles. I can not wait to come back and watch you perform, because every time I watch you dance it takes my breath away. I love you so much and you will forever be my sister. Love, Your Big
r e t s Si e v o L
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Hilary, CAN I GET A YUH FOR YOU BEING THE MOST CRAZY, OUTGOING, FREE SPIRITED PERSON I KNOW. I AM SO THANKFUL AND BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS MY LITTLE. YOU HAVE GROWN INTO THIS STRONG YOUNG WOMAN RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES!! YOU HAVE MADE THIS JOURNEY UNFORGETTABLE! CAN’T WAIT TO CHEER YOU ON NEXT YEAR FROM THE AUDIENCE!! LOVE YOU SO MUCH HILBABY<3
GO ROO’S!!
!!uoy evol
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Gaby & Ariel Big and Little