NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The Stingray Stingers, under the direction of Shannon Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor and Jodi Alligood, won a National Championship in Hip Hop at Wide World of Sports in Orlando.
NSB Middle's Jazz team placed second.
Special thanks goes to Sabrina Smith for providing supervision and assistance for the team, said Dana Thompson, media specialist at New Smyrna Beach Midle School.
Teams traveled from as far as California, Utah, and Wisconsin to compete.
Members of the championship team in Hip Hop include Erica Kochis, Baylee Ellis, Tiffany Gushwa, Emily Porcelli, Zaria Gentle, Alexis Wingate, Sydney Lotsey, Brittany Fuller, Bryonna Butler, Brittany Crofutt, Jessica Riegert, Taylor Rizza, Maddie McCallister, Blayne Prasse, and Shelby Green.
Sydney Levy won an Award of Merit for her film entry at the final level of judging in the State P.T.S.A. Reflections Art Contest. Special thanks to Samantha Hughes for her outstanding efforts in support of the Reflections contest.
"Our school is one of two in the entire district to have a parent involvement award submission to the FLDOE for consideration as a regional winner," Thompson said, adding the "Good News Referral Program" was selected to represent the district at the secondary level.
"Special thanks to our P.T.S.A. President Amy Nowell and our active P.T.S.A. members for all that you do to maintain this unique student recognition program," Thompson said "Also, thank you to the Stingray family for continuing to write up the good news referrals.
New Smyrna Beach Middle School will receivie a plaque at VIPS Recognition Day 2011 to acknowledge innovative efforts that lead to increased parent involvement in schools, Thompson said.