Mackenzie Johnson is the newest member of the University of Arkansas Pom Squad
If you find yourself at a University of Arkansas football game next year or at a game where the Razorbacks are your team’s opponent, keep an eye out for a familiar face on the field. Mackenzie Johnson, graduating Highlandette first lieutenant, is a new member of the Razorbacks Pom Squad.
Tryouts for the 24-woman team, which performs at football and basketball games, university events and charity fundraisers, draws large numbers of talented and experienced dancers from all over country. Mackenzie began in February by sending an audition video with an introduction, a dance solo and her rendition of the fight song. After she made that cut, she was invited to Fayetteville a weekend jam-packed with performing solos for judges and learning new material. Each day over three rounds, she saw girls released around her. The final step was an interview with a panel of 12 judges.
Despite the process, which Mackenzie calls “long and intense,” she is excited to have another chance at the “Red White Game” – a Lake Highlands tradition. This Saturday, she’ll perform at the annual Red White Spring Game and HogFest at Arkansas’ Razorback Stadium.
“I am so excited to be able to represent University of Arkansas Athletics and meet new people,” says Mackenzie. “I’m looking forward to being a part of a family, like Highlandettes, and continuing to dance. Actually one of the reasons I was excited to try out was to meet new girls that would be going to the University. I met some really sweet girls and became close to several over tryout weekend.”
Even if you can’t make it to Fayetteville, you can catch (a breathless) Mackenzie performing this weekend. She will miss the Friday night edition of Highlandette Revue, but she promises to be back before the curtain goes up Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the LHHS auditorium.
