The SHS dance team has organized the Little Lionsteppers event for the past two years. Little Lionsteppers is open to any girl in the Searcy school district between kindergarten and sixth grade.


The little girls are taught a dance made up by the Lionsteppers, which they perform at a home game during half time.

Within the kindergarten through sixth grade, the girls are broken down into smaller divisions.

Some Lionsteppers were assigned to the grades kindergarten through second, and all the other lionsteppers were assigned to third through sixth grade.

The younger group of girls had thirty-one signed up, and the older group had thirteen signed up.


Senior lionstepper captain, Hannah Haggard, explained how the program got started last year.


“Mrs. Simpson proposed the idea with a structure, and Victoria and I kind of put it into play,” said Haggard.

Haggard explains that athletic director, Coach James Frank, had to approve the idea, and he did because of the business it brought in.


The first step to Little Lionsteppers is to make the music.

“The co-captain and I listen for songs the kids like and make a list to be approved, and then we agree on the length that is appropriate for the age group,” said Haggard.

The second step is to give the music to the team to start making up the dance.


Haggard explains the good Little Lionsteppers provides for the team.


“It benefits the team because of teamwork, getting along, working with younger girls, and encouraging girls to try out for Lionsteppers when they get older,” said Haggard.


Since many girls are the Lionsteppers are new to the team, this year was their first time working with the Little Lionsteppers.


The girls were excited to share their favorite part of the program.

“I loved getting to spend time with all the kids and share doing something I love,” said sophomore Kayla Ashenberger.

Sophomore Abby Heidelberg said watching the girls at the final performance was her favorite part.

“I loved getting to see the little smiles on all the children’s faces. I was glad to see that all my girls were working so well with the little ones,” said co-captian Breeanne Cambron.

Despite the poor weather the night of the game, the Little Lionsteppers performed at half-time with huge smiles on their faces.


All girls in kindergarten through sixth grade are encouraged to come join the Lionsteppers during basketball season when the program goes for its second round of the year.