Sophomores Kylie Bernet and Mya Waldren were two of a lucky few who auditioned and made the West BreakDown STL team this season.

BreakDown STL is an organization whose primary goal is to educate, equip and empower young teens into making positive life choices rather than become involved in high risk youth trends. BreakDown STL performs presentations across the STL area to different schools, providing health education through acting, dancing and singing.  Throughout their presentations, their on-stage team performs in front of an audience while addressing tough topics such as drugs, sex, alcohol, abuse and suicide.

Last year, BreakDown STL came to Liberty for their winter presentation. Former varsity Liberty Belles and Breakdown STL Alumni, Cheyenne Doss and Nikki Casteel, inspired the girls to join the team.

“Last year when I saw the presentation at Liberty, I thought the message was so powerful,” Waldren said. “I loved everything they stood for and what they were trying to do at schools. When I watched the dancers, I knew it would be so cool to be apart of that team.”

Practicing around 20 hours a week for dance, Bernet and Waldren’s determination and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. The two girls have only been dancing for less than four years, and still were capable of making a professional team in the community while being involved in dance at their studio and at school.

Out of all the hours spent on the dance floor, Bernet and Waldren can both agree that they enjoy dancing for BreakDown STL the best.

“BreakDown has allowed me not only to dance with such a talented group of people, but has shaped me as a person. Joining BreakDown STL has given me a better understanding of the issues happening in our community, and how I can help others,” Bernet said.

Even though BreakDown is not attending Liberty this season, the organization is having a free presentation on Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the West County Assembly of God. BreakDown STL is blessed to have Bernet and Waldren joining their team this season. The organization on a daily basis is helping change and save lives within our community.

“We would love if any of our fellow peers could come out and support us,” Waldren said.