Ms. Martinez is the drill team director at our school, but she is so much more than that. Not only does she teach us dances, but she also gives us advice, is always there to listen and knows how to make us smile.

I didn’t join the PE dance team in middle school, so I didn’t meet Martinez until my freshman year. From the very beginning, I noticed how much she cared for the team and each individual member. She’s here until 8:00 at night, and whenever she has the chance, she makes an effort to talk to someone and ask how they are doing. No matter what someone’s going through, they can talk to her.

She is always supportive of everyone as well. For the past two years, anytime I have done my solo at competitions, she has been by my side until I had to perform. Every time we perform under those FNL lights, she is the loudest person there. And that truly shows what kind of director and person she is.

Because she is the director, she has to be direct and correct us. But anytime she does, it’s so we can improve. Since the beginning of the year, and even my start on the team, I have noticed not only a change in myself but in everyone else as well.

The Dazzlers would not be the organization it is now without Martinez, and I think I can speak for many of the girls when I say that we would not be the people we are right now without the guidance and support we get from her.