Naomi Merlain, Emily Brochin, Brielle Shapiro, Molly Berkowitz, Taylor Turner
Five Millburn High School student dancers, Emily Brochin, Molly Berkowitz, Naomi Merlain, Brielle Shapiro and Taylor Turner participated in memorial ceremonies and the 2014 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade held in Hawaii on December 7. This year’s parade theme was “remembering the past and celebrating our future” on the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that initiated the U.S. entry into World War II, according to a release from the Millburn School District.
This was the first time dance and cheer groups were invited to be part of the memorial events. Millburn was one of just seven dance groups invited, and one of only two from the East Coast — making them part of Pearl Harbor Parade history.
The dancers performed to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park on December 5, and on December 7 they performed at the parade’s Opening Ceremonies. They received an American flag that has flown over the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and two plaques to recognize their participation in this historic event.
MHS Dance Teacher Arvin Arjona choreographed their performances, with assistance from student teacher Maddie Warriner.
To learn more about the parade, visit the website.
