The Edmonds-Woodway High School Drill and Pom team started the 2009-2010 school season with an unprecedented third place win at its first competition of the year at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland Nov. 7. Not only did the team receive a trophy for this high placement, it also brought home the Spirit award for sportsmanlike conduct.

“The team is off to an amazing start, the girls are motivated and dedicated to making this one of the best years ever, not only through performances and competitions but by being a part of their community,” Coach Deb Johnson said. “One of their mottos this year is “every journey begins with just one step –EW Drill Rocks!!!”

During the upcoming season, the team will participate in six more competitions as it takes the exciting journey to State, held in late March at the Sundome in Yakima. The girls will perform during the heralded Macy’s Holiday Parade the day after Thanksgiving in Seattle, conduct the annual Little Drillers clinic for elementary and middle schoolers in the district on Jan. 9, 2010, and host one of Western Washington’s most popular drill/dance competitions on Jan. 16 at the high school.

This year especially, the team would like to thank the Edmonds School District and the Edmonds community for its support during the recent budget cuts. The parents, fans, coaches and team members are grateful for the outpouring of goodwill from the district board, Superintendent Nick Brossoit and the EW Athletic Booster Club (EW ABC.)

To give back to the community this year, the team is donating 10 percent from one of its fundraisers to the Behind the Badge Foundation, an organization providing assistance to families of fallen law enforcement officers. The team also serves seniors, individuals and families on Wednesday evenings through Annie’s Community Kitchen, part of Neighbors in Need and located at Edmonds Lutheran Church.