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Graffiti Sweeties baton twirlers win at state level
baton
Graffiti Sweeties Baton Twirling Group took top awards at the USTA State Championships. - photo by Photo Contributed
Recently members of the Graffiti Sweeties Baton Twirling Group took top awards at the USTA State Championships.

The girls, Abigail Laswell, Baylee Pine, Avree Little, Krystal Luis, and Kady Elliot competed in the Primary Small Twirl Team category where they brought home two first place awards which included the Titles of State Champions. In addition to the team award, team member Baylee Pine brought home the Championship titles in 7 year-old Solo, 7 year-old 2-baton, and 7 year-old Dance Twirl. Team member Kady Elliott brought home the High Point Beginner Award for the May Madness portion of the competition for Beginners. Also competing as a part of the Graffiti Sweeties at the State Championships in individual events and bringing home various awards were Abigail Laswell, Avree Little, Krystal Luis, Julia Sawin, Jayme Little, and Cameo Humphrey. Now these girls are getting ready for the next competition June 26 for the Western Regional Championships and then they are off to Savannah, Georgia for the National Championships.

These girls are a part of various Recreation Departments in which they combine for parades and performances as Graffiti Sweeties. Graffiti Sweeties are under the direction of Dandi Manuel who has been continuously teaching children the art of twirling for over 20 years. During this time she has had numerous students win State and National titles. Dandi herself has been twirling for over 40 years during which time she as well as her sisters were many time State and National Champions.

Baton twirling can be taken through the Manteca Recreation Department as a fun activity on a monthly basis year round. Students may then choose to incorporate their skills into parades, performances or even competition if they so choose.