Thunderettes work for, achieve dream

There is something new in the waters of Valley Stream that is creating a new rhythm and using batons to do it. The Grace Thunderettes, a dance and baton twirling squad, are living proof that hard work and dedication will not only help you win, but achieve your wildest dreams.

For the Thunderettes of Grace Methodist Church, their dream launched in 2006. But now, the squad is setting sail for a new adventure once again, which will take them to the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in Virginia this year. Coach Nancy Wasek, who also coaches for the Valley Stream P.A.L. and for other organizations, is head over heels with excitement about this new adventure.

“I almost died when I knew we had qualified for the Olympics,” Wasek said. “I cannot believe it. We have been working to get our team into the event.”

Wasek, who has been coaching for 40 years, works with the girls to prepare them for community performances and any struggles they may face in life. Each of the girls, who range from ages 5 to 18 and come from many communities around Long Island, are taught the art of twirling and dancing in the spirit of friendship. “The girls develop coordination, make friends and get to travel,” Wasek said. “They learn how to get along with each other, especially the teenagers, who learn to work through their quarrels. We are like a family.”

The squad members learn to step in sync with one another, but still move to their own beat. Whether they twirl, swirl or whirl, these girls learn the meaning of what it takes to be great.

“We never give up,” said Stefania Cuomo, a 14-year-old member who attends Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School. “We just keep on trying and we know that we will get it eventually.”

Cuomo, who is in her second year with the squad, enjoys being a member. “It is really fun,” she said. “The team is really sweet.”