Plano West Royales Drill Team

Mission Statement
We, the Plano West Royales, are a team striving for excellence within our community, both as a team and individuals. We understand that our responsibilities as Royales extend beyond performing, into every aspect of our lives. For we are not only role models to those who aspire to one day fill our shoes, we are the pride of our family, our school, and our community.

Plano West Royales Director

Kari Watson

Mrs. Watson began her dance career at the age of 7 at Diana’s Dance Academy in Plano, Texas. While at her studio, she was a part of the competitive dance company and performance company. She had the opportunity of performing all around the Dallas and Plano areas for different community events. She was also a part the team that was named National Champions for Showcase International and Regional Champions for Showstoppers. During these years she also attended the Dupree Dance Convention.

Mrs. Watson moved to Rockwall, Texas for her High School years. She was on the JV drill team her ninth grade year and tried out and made the varsity drill team, the Stingerettes, for her sophomore thru senior years. While on Stingerettes, Mrs. Watson made the kick club all three years, was a Junior Lieutenant her junior year, and was Captain her Senior year. She was also named to the All-American Drill Team all three years and was invited to perform in London and the Citrus Bowl. Mrs. Watson also attended the very first Starmakers and MA officer camps and received all Sweepstakes awards on all routines evaluated. She was also able to travel to New Orleans and San Antonio with the Stingerettes to compete in drill team competitions.

After high school, Mrs. Watson attended Baylor University from 1995- 1999 with an Education degree and a Business minor. While at Baylor University, she was involved in Student Government and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. During her Zeta years, Mrs. Watson was skit day chair for two years and was on the Rush Day committee her senior year.

After Graduation, Mrs. Watson returned to Rockwall to teach 7th and 8th grade At-Risk Reading and head up the At-Risk Dept. The very next year, she taught first grade but realized that working with secondary students was her passion. She returned to teaching 7th and 8th grade English at Williams Middle School from 2001- 2005. During her years at Williams Middle School she also directed the 8th grade drill team. Her teams from all four year brought home a combined 60 awards from various drill team competitions. Her 2004-2005 team won 9 state championship titles and Mrs. Watson was named Outstanding Director for the Junior High State Championships. Mrs. Watson also assisted the 8th grade cheerleading squads and the Rockwall High School Cheer squads as well.

2005-2006 took Mrs. Watson to Rockwall-Heath High School. She was asked to charter the Highstepper drill team program. During her time at Rockwall-Heath High School, she charted the drill team and booster clubs, established drill team traditions and brought home four national championships from the ADTS National Competition. Mrs. Watson also taught Communication Applications while at Rockwall-Heath High School.

2006-2007 marks Mrs. Watson’s first year at Plano West Senior High School. She teaches one dance class and directs the Royale Drill Team. She is working part time this year in order to spend more time with her son.

Mrs. Watson married her college sweetheart, Brad in 2001. They have been married for five wonderful years. They have one son, Andrew, and two weenie dogs, Max and Marley.

Plano West Royales Assistant Director

Brittany Kelley

Background Information and Photo to Follow