Cotton Squares graduate class of dancers

The El Campo Cotton Squares held their 2008 graduation on Monday night at the El Campo Civic Center. Ralph and Gaylene Bynum, presidents of the Houston Square and Round Dance Council, presided over the graduation. Joining them were vice presidents Bob and Joanne Wilson along with Jack and Bev Demoss, all of Seabrook.

Ruby Jean Rod, president of the El Campo Cotton Squares and Tom Quirk, teacher and caller, presented 21 students with their diplomas. Quirk taught the mainstream (beginning) level of square dancing and will continue to teach the plus (advanced) level to the new square dancers.

Graduates include Diane Bueltel, Alberta Ford, Caroline Ford, Julie Harbaugh, Karen King, Lisa King, Eddie King, Dusky Layne, Sam Melendez, Lawanda Mikulenka, William Mikulenka, Alan Mund, Douglas Mund, Billy Neal, Avery Raun, Betty Joyce Sikora, Derian Thrash, Brianna Warfel, Gary Wilson, Alex Wilson and Roman Wilson.

Approximately 80 square dancers and guests attended the graduation including family and friends of the graduates. Guest square dancers attended from Wharton, Edna, Ganado, Bay City, Pasadena, Seabrook and Silver City, N.M.

"Square Dancing is vibrant and growing," said Wanda Dorotik, a member of the El Campo Cotton Squares. "It promotes the practice of good manners, proper etiquette and is a traditional form of family recreation. Square dance teaches students to listen, follow directions, memory skills, eye-hand coordination, leadership skills and confidence.

This activity can be enjoyed by both the young and the old. All that is needed is the knowledge of a number of basic movements,

which are called in various combinations on the dance floor."

Knowledge of and practice in these basic movements tice are achieved through instructions given in beginners classes.

The El Campo Cotton Squares will be starting classes for beginners again in September. Club members square dance every Monday night at the El Campo Civic Center. For more information contact Margaret Dixon at 532- 2966 or Ruby Jean Rod at 543- 9023.