Miss Leesburg brings home titles from Drum Majorettes of America competition

Cindy Peterson
·2 min read
Miss Leesburg Meagann Goodridge was crowned American’s Most Beautiful Majorette, Senior High School Majorette and Miss Majorette of the Year at the Drum Majorette of America’s mini-national competition in Tennessee. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent]
Miss Leesburg Meagann Goodridge was crowned American’s Most Beautiful Majorette, Senior High School Majorette and Miss Majorette of the Year at the Drum Majorette of America’s mini-national competition in Tennessee. [Cindy Peterson/Correspondent]

LEESBURG — Miss Leesburg Meagann Goodridge recently returned from the Drum Majorettes of America’s mini-national baton twirling competition in Tennessee with three new titles: American’s Most Beautiful Majorette, Senior High School Majorette and Miss Majorette of the Year.

With her wins, Goodridge earned a ticket to compete at the national level at the University of South Carolina this July.

“As soon as I walked out on the floor, all my nerves went away,” she said. “When I won, I was so shocked but overfilled with joy. Majorette of the Year was definitely the one that meant the most.”

In 2021: Meet the new Miss Leesburg, Meagann Goodridge

Paying it forward: Former Teen Miss Leesburg starts mentoring program for girls

State of the City Address: Leesburg is 'extremely strong,' city manager says

Miss Leesburg Meagann Goodridge was crowned American’s Most Beautiful Majorette, Senior High School Majorette and Miss Majorette of the Year at the Drum Majorette of America’s mini-national competition in Tennessee.
Miss Leesburg Meagann Goodridge was crowned American’s Most Beautiful Majorette, Senior High School Majorette and Miss Majorette of the Year at the Drum Majorette of America’s mini-national competition in Tennessee.

Goodridge, 16, competed in the 15 to 23 age division and came out on top, even among college students. This was her first time appearing at mini-nationals where more than 300 girls competed in their respective age divisions.

“It was pretty big,” Goodridge said. “We’ve got other competitions coming up before nationals so I hope to keep the wins coming.”

Between her duties as Miss Leesburg, competing in twirling and keeping her grades up, Goodridge has found a system that works for her.

“I really figured out that organization is my friend through all of this,” Goodridge said. “I’ll make little lists of schoolwork and my calendar has times to practice, my schoolwork and then team practice with my baton team.”

Mercedes Perry was crowned the Mini National Princess, Meagann Goodridge received Miss Majorette of the Year and Alexis DeLand as Junior Miss Majorette of the Year at the DMA mini-nationals competition in Tennessee.
Mercedes Perry was crowned the Mini National Princess, Meagann Goodridge received Miss Majorette of the Year and Alexis DeLand as Junior Miss Majorette of the Year at the DMA mini-nationals competition in Tennessee.

On top of solo performances, Goodridge is also part of Epic Twirl in Leesburg which is preparing for team regionals in April. Some of her teammates also came home with titles including Alexis DeLand, who was named, Junior Miss Majorette of the Year and Mercedes Perry, who earned the title of Mini National Princess. Both will compete at nationals.

Goodridge has been twirling for 13 years and hopes to one day be a feature twirler at the University of South Florida.

“With these last 13 years, I’ve realized I can push my boundaries a lot more than I think,” Goodridge said. “I do doubt myself a lot, but I have to realize it’s just a bump and move on. I love twirling because it was a hobby I started when I was younger and my passion for it had grown so much over these years. The friendships that you can make last forever.”

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Drum Majorettes of America competition in Tennessee: Meagann Goodridge wins big