Leopard Look: Jacklyn Simone

Angelina Mapes, Staff Writer • December 8, 2020

Majestic Director Jacklyn Simone claps with the counts of the Majestics routine. Simone has been directing the Majestics for two years.

Majestics director and dance teacher, Jacklyn Simone, joined the district last year. She loves teaching and was recently awarded the “Heart of the Teacher” award.

At A Glance

Favorite fast food: Taco Bell

Favorite movie: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”

Favorite song: “Paradise” by Dermont Kennedy

Favorite animal: Giraffe

Looking Deeper

The Red Ledger: What schools did you teach at before coming to the district?

Jacklyn Simone: I started my teaching career at Richardson High School, where I was the assistant drill team director and directed the co-ed country/western dance team for one year. I then moved to Berkner High School, where I was the drill team director and head of the dance department for three years.

TRL: Were you on the dance team in college or high school?

JS: I went to Naaman Forest High School in Garland, Texas, where I was a Lieutenant on the Starlettes jv Drill Team my freshman year and a member of the Sterling Stars Varsity Drill Team my sophomore through senior year. I served as a junior lieutenant my junior year and captain my senior year. I then went on to become a member of the 70th line of the Kilgore College Rangerettes. After completing my two years as a Rangerette, I transfered to the University of North Texas, where I was a North Texas Dancer.

TRL: What is your favorite part about your job?

JS: I love that Majestics and being a part of a team teaches you so much more than just dance. It really is a family. I believe this to be true in my dance classes as well. I always look forward to the interactions dance allows me to have with students and watching them grow as strong, confident young women in my program. The best part for me is hearing about all the incredible things they are doing after they leave high school, and how their time in dance has impacted the way they move through the world.

TRL: Did you always want to teach dance?

JS: Yes. I fell in love with dance and drill team at a very young age. My mom and aunt were Rangerettes, and my aunt is a drill team director. I grew up in the “dance world” surrounded by some of the most incredible teachers and mentors in the industry, including our own Dr. Mathy. Being a part of my high school and college dance teams only solidified my deep desire to be able to give back to my dance students, what so many had poured into me over the years. I find so much joy in sharing my passion for dance with my students and seeing that passion ignite in them throughout their time in the dance department.

TRL: What are you most looking forward to in your future at the high school?

JS: I am excited to see growth in both the program and myself professionally. It is an exciting challenge to be over a program with such a strong foundation, but still fairly young. The possibilities for growth are endless, and so many are already bought in. I hope to get to know more and more of our community members and continue building a legacy within the dance department that we can all be really proud of.

TRL: What are some of your aspirations for the Majestics and your dance teams?

JS: I am so excited to see the Majestics, and the dance department grow. It is my belief that dance is for everyone, and I hope to see more and more students becoming a part of the legacy we are building.

About the Contributors

Angelina Mapes, LJP Staff

Freshman Breeanna Hoffman is a videographer for Jungle Productions, the sports division of LJP. Hoffman enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with her friends. She also edits much content for LJP as well as is on-air for Man on the Street and various commercials.

Olivia Lauter, Section Editor

Heading into her fourth and final year in TRL, senior Olivia Lauter could not be more thrilled to soak up every last minute of shooting sports, events and portraits for her favorite publication. Lauter has spent every day of her high school career with a camera around her neck, and you won’t catch her without it until graduation day. As well as being the photo editor for TRL, Lauter is a varsity cheerleader and involved in PALS and NHS. When she’s not on the sidelines with her camera or cheering on the Leopards, Lauter is with her friends, who she adores more than life itself. You will probably hear “last time, best time” and how “bittersweet” senior year is continually from Lauter this year, but she is just excited to spend one more year doing what she loves alongside the people she loves on TRL.