Celebrating 20 Years Of Glasgow Learn To Skate

The annual Glasgow Learn to Skate program held their annual showcase on Feb. 11 at the Valley Event Center to allow students in the program the opportunity to show off all they have learned this session and throughout the skating year. According to instructor Kim Girard, this year's event is a celebration of 20 years of Glasgow Learn to Skate and the skaters of the program.

With an Olympic Theme opening, there were a total of 12 performances with the song "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang closing out this year's hour long event. The Snowplow Sam through Basic 4-5 students showcased "mini-lessons" led by the instructors while the Basic 5-6/Freeskate/Adult were choreographed routines.

After the opening, Laramie Hystad performed a solo to the "The Butterfly Discusses," which was followed by the Basic 1-2 Beginner skaters skating to "Dinosaur Jump Rope Jive."

Arrow Henry, Shelby Mulder, and Violet Thompson showed off their trio piece to "Ride of the Valkyries," which was followed by the group Basic 2-3 students showing their skills to "Singing in the Shower."

Cheryl Solmonsen then performed a solo to "Try Everything." Part of the Learn to Skate program also includes a hockey lesson, where four current Ice Dawgs showed off their stopping and hockey skating skills to "Busy, Busy, Busy."

Blakely Burleson, Ella Gilchrist, Amelia Odom and Leshia Stutheit were in color coordinated costumes to show off their skills to "Lollipop" which was then followed by the Basic 4-5 mini lessons to "Walking on Sunshine." Kolbi Ross then performed a solo to "Seasons of Love" by Rent.

Snowplow Sam, who are the youngest skaters, showed off their talents to "Tickle Time," followed by a duet by Violet Thompson and Aiden Wixson to "Blue Moo." Gwynn Simenik then performed a solo to "Firework" by Katy Perry.

Since January 2005, Glasgow Learn to Skate, under the direction of Kim Girard and other volunteers, has reached 883 kids and adults, some for a session, others for years. With a motto of "Learn To State, Learn to Skate Better", the goals of the program are to teach correct techniques for the basic elements of skating so that skaters are safe on the ice and can have fun.

The success of the program is dependent on the many volunteers who keep the ice smooth, blades sharp, lead the classes, and the parents who jump in to help manage the skates.

Anyone interested in being a part of the program for next session, registration will begin in early October.