Judges who Favor Certain Units: It has been said from time to time that judges from any and all adjudicators find favor in units who perform to their liking will become the teacher's pet. In some situations during competition once the scores are announced a lot of heads turn and look in disbelief that the scorers must have missed the show they saw. Their belief is that the person they thought was the winner did not get their just do. There are those who believe it is not worth even competing against some teams because the outcome is already set in motion. Well there was one judges association who decided to prove to the naysayers that this was not true by making them judge a competition totally of their own sense of fairness. What those different teams did not know was that they were to judge a competition of a different activity. So while they participated in the clinic this was a part of their proving that no one can truly know the outcome . Well the test was given to all of the participants in judging the competition. When the results were revealed everyone was astonished to find out no one agreed on a sole winner. Everyone of them had a different winner and that was a point that everyone possibly can agree on a winner or not. Every judge in every association has performances that they like ok but then there are some that do nothing for some judges and their comments reflect that. It is true that some judges favor a certain team but they believe that they have done more than others to deserve it. The only time we can really dispute something is if we actually watched every performance and adhered to the rules of the presiding judges association criteria.

Thought For Today: If you believe you can you will probably succeed. If you think you can't you probably will not succeed. Your thought process has a lot to do with your success or failure. Think positive!!!

If Drill was to be eliminated where would the kids and adults be? Would there be enough activities for everyone to take part in? What would happen to the appetite we share for this type of activity? Would we move over to dance? Or will we have a crave more for gymnastics? Where would you go what would you join to cure the crave?

Thought For Today: If I take all my time just to think nothing would get done. Be about don't just think about it !!!

Drill Team Directors are becoming shorter and shorter and neighborhoods are suffering more and more. Just like in the case of Miss Latasha Ruffin who is medically sick but still continues to keep her part up in helping our kids despite her ailments. You have longtime directors like Miss Jeanette Lacks of Plainfield New Jersey who turned over the reigns of the Jam Steppers to her nephew who has not disappointed her and kept the Jam Steppers moving forward. She did not make her decision to use him because of her relationship but she saw that he was willing to make her proud and continue the Jam Steppers name and he has done a great job. Making someone your replacement carries a lot of weight and is placed on the new direction who must see and deal with the very same problems the former director had to. Sharnae Johnson did it with the North Philly Footstompers, Darryl and Jeannie Alexander did it with Post 224 of Philadelphia. Darrick did it with MMG and Antoine Mapp with West Powelton as well as Denise Jones with Miller Homes/Rush Crossing Smooth Steppers. Drill team is embedded in so many souls and that is what's pushing them to continue a household tradition. As our directors get older it's hard to find replacements who can add up to what's already established. Arlene and Darnell Womack did the same for Tonya Rose Davis with the Eastwick Commandoes. Isn;t it a shame that most of the kids in today's groups don't even know who Tonya Rose or Jeanette Lacks is. They don't even know Helen Brown or Elsie Wise or where they are from. Hmmmmm . Somebody needs to tell the history of drill teams so that the ones who come after us will understand dedication and the love of our children. Next time you get a minute call up a sister or a brother former drill team director and say " Thank You For Caring"

The AMA staff is gearing up for a trip to Kansas City, Missouri for the Kansas City Pythons Annual Planet Rock Drill Team Competition on April 16 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. Wanda Winters and the Pythons really appreciate those preparing for the show there in their hometown and promise to be gracious hosts. So all you blues and barbecue babies will be well fed if you make it here. If you like those Dutchboys in Lancaster County Pa. and all that fresh fruits, eggs and vegetables then you are going to die for the beef we stew, barbecue, roast, bake, shishkabob, ground, saulte" or fix any kind of way you prefer. We serve the Smack Your Mother ribs and steaks all day and night long!!! So if you are hungering for some heffer try ours and let's make it a date April 16th 2016 from 11:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. For More information contact Wanda at 816-604-0068. We Thank Everyone in advance for your consideration.Look for regular updates as we prepare for this show on this page Wanda Winters/Director of Events.

Tho ught For Today: If it's not mine then why would I take it? Taking something that is not rightfully yours is a bad thing including credit for something you did not earn.

We do hope Latasha Ruffin of the Xtreme Kre8tionz Group and Talented Youth Cavaliers a continue speedy recovery. We wish you well on the road to recovery.

March 5th 2016 will be the next round of competition of AMA at Cheyney University in Cheyney/Thornton, Pa. at 10:00 a.m.. The line ups for this show has already been posted earlier on this page. All updates on age verification and medical forms must be in no later than February 19th 2016. The next scheduled payment of dues must be received no later than February 20th 2016. iF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT OUR FINANCE DIRECTOR ARLENE wHARTON AT 609-532-1154. You too can contact Sarah Smith at 215-713-7088 for Medical information and forms and Denise Jones at 609-421-5776 for any age verification updates.

We wish Miss Latasha Ruffin a speedy recovery and get back to her every day duties.

Thought For Today: It's not a perfect world and neither are the people who inhabit it. Things happen beyond our control but we continue on doing things we know are right.

Due to changes with various business personnel at Cheyney University we have been asked to be patient while they are checking their event calendar for any reassignment of their sports programs or any other gym related events do to the last snowstorm. We have been assured that they will make this a speedier update in order for us to have our show as soon as possible. The minute it is approved we will post it and send an email to every single unit's email address. We are assured it will be taken care of expediently. Should we fail to reach an agreement we too already have an alternative site lined up. Our job is to have a facility capable of accommodating large crowds. I thank you for your patience as this is not something we normally struggle with. Thank You for your understanding.