CLEWISTON — The Sugar Dolls Baton and Pom-Poms is a youth program and this year is their 33rd year. They are sponsored by the Clewiston Parks and Recreation Department. Under the program the group performs in shows, and parades. For the past 15 years they have performed in the Okeechobee Christmas Parade (their favorite) and have performed in the Moore Haven Christmas On the River, and the Arcadia Christmas Parade. Some of the members are from Moore Haven. All youth are invited.

Each year The Sugar Dolls  hold an awards program to recognize outstanding members. Miss Five Star is for activities for all youth who are part of the programs that include community service and their advancement for the year. The Five Star Year of America is beginning its 55 years. A total of over 30,000 Youth have participated in the program. It is not only teaching the youth to twirl a baton and pom-pom dancing, it is to teach them about community service. The youth perform at the nursing home and help seniors, the challenged, and veterans.

They have not been able to do a lot in the community this past 18 months because of the Pandemic. With the new season we plan to get back on track and have the youth work more in the community to help others.

Awards were presented for the Sugar Dolls this year are as follows:

• Serenity Quillen was presented Miss 5 Star Youth. She is 10 years old and in the fifth grade at New Harvest Academy and is from Moore Haven.

• Sugar Doll of the Year was presented to Neveah Evans. She is 10 years old and in the fifth grade at New Harvest Academy.

Sugar Dolls will begin its new season. Lessons will be held every Tuesday at John Boy Auditorium in the Beardsley Room located in the back of the Auditorium-1200 South WC Owens Avenue in Clewiston.

Beginner class will be at 4 p.m. and advanced classes are at 5 p.m.

The Sugar Dolls are a division of the Five Star Youth of America. For information call Jackie Weekley Tucker at 863-993-0083.