Throughout your life, you meet people who leave footprints in your heart. Their effect is not just limited to when they are around you because what they leave you with stays with you forever. You don’t meet people like this every day, in fact, you probably only meet a few people like this throughout the course of your whole entire life. I guess you could say these people are a one in a million. I speak for myself and every current and former Kingwood Fillie when I say April Swenson is one of these people. She has changed all of our lives and has shaped into the people we are today.

April Swenson is the reason why the fillies are as highly admired as they are. I don’t think anyone will ever quite understand how much dedication, time, and passion it truly takes to be a Kingwood Fillie unless you were one. When we gave four weeks of our summer to Fillies, Swenson gave eight weeks of hers. When we were in the gym for eight hours on a Saturday trying to perfect our routines, Swenson was the first one there and the last to leave, always with a smile on her face. For everything every Fillie gave, Swenson gave twice as much, and for that I am forever thankful. You will never anyone as dedicated as Swenson. She never gave up and always believed that we were capable of anything.

Never in my life has a person influenced me as much Swenson has. She has instilled in me qualities and values that I will forever hold on to. She taught me what it means to work for something you want, and to work harder than you ever thought you could. She pushed to be able to see that how far I thought I could go, was only half of what I really could. She gave me every tool I needed to be the best version of myself. She taught me that in the face of adversity, you should always hold your head high and stand up for what is right. She showed me that it’s okay to break down every once in awhile, because you always your teammates and coach to help you back up. Fillies wasn't just a drill team who could kick and jump split with ease, we were a family that supported and loved each other through everything.

With every curveball thrown the Fillies' way, we took it gracefully, and in my opinion, hit a home run. When a problem came our way, we would smile at the challenge. It was never easy, but it was always worth it. When things got hard and all we wanted to do was give, Swenson reminded us of how far we had come, and how much farther we could go. Swenson always stood up for her team, and now it’s time we stand up for her.

“She has made me a better person, a better teammate, and a better leader, all while loving me and the rest of the team like her own daughters. She has changed my life more than any other teacher could hope to.”

– Hannah Lam

“You will find no one better fit or more deserving of this position than April Swenson. She fights for her dancers and we will fight for her.”

– Haley Ahrendt

“Swenson was there for all of us in our times of need and continues to be there for all past and present fillies. It’s our turn to be there for her.”

- Mariah Condoleo

“No one has ever pushed me harder and helped me realize my potential. She taught me that you don’t quit when things get hard if you give it your all it always pays off.”

- Shantel Sanders