Brooklyn Cope didn't need long to figure out her passion in life. She's always wanted to dance. 

Cope has been living her dream as a member of the Pioneerettes the last four years, culminating in a final performance in Florida last month. Fittingly, Cope was able to get in some final routines in hip-hop - one of four categories the team qualified for Nationals in this season - as she helped the Pioneerettes finish 11th in the nation. It was a great way to finish, even if being done brought with it the emotions of knowing her run with the team was over.

"My last trip to Florida with my team was very bittersweet," said Cope. "I am so thankful for these memories - ones I'll have and hold throughout my life. I'm also sad to see this come to an end. 

"I was excited to see our team take four dances to competition, especially hip hop because it's my favorite and we haven't competed in it in a very long time. I'm so proud of how we made it to finals too."

Cope's memories of dancing began at a very early age. From the moment she could see out the window and spot her neighbor working on routines, she was ready to do the same.

"Growing up, I knew I wanted to dance from watching Ally Locke practice her routines in the yard. That led me to start lessons and Paula's Dance Academy in first grade,' recalled Cope. "I performed with Paula's until I was in sixth grade, which was when I tried out for the middle school team. 

"I was very excited and very nervous after makng the middle school team, but it went so well I decided to try out for the Pioneerettes. When I made it, I was shocked, but I was more excited than anything."

Stepping onto the big stage with the Pioneerettes meant months of training, long days perfecting routines and traveling across the Southeast looking for victories. It could be grueling, but Cope wouldn't have wanted to spend her high school days doing anything else, particularly on fall nights.

"Friday night lights has been, by far, my favorite part of Pioneerettes. There is nothing like dancing at Nunley Stadium," said Cope.

Unbreakable bonds are also something Cope will have from her time with the Pioneerettes.

"I've enjoyed the relationships I have built and the lessons I've learnded. Pioneerettes has taught me a lot about teamwork and helped me build great leadership skills. It helped build a sense of community by giving me the opportunity to cheer on my peers in sports," said Cope.

In two months, Cope will say goodbye to Warren County High School when she graduates. And it won't be a surprise to anybody if she dances across the stage.