Beaming lights fade into a crimson red, getting ready for the next performance. As silence echoed throughout the crowd, all attention is drawn to the middle of the open space, where Trudy Chang (11) stands alone, baton in hand. As the opening notes start, her movements became one with the music, her leaps and spins demonstrate her gracefulness, her baton tossing and twirling in the air. Chang catches the baton with such ease, with such elegancy, one would recognize her as Ayala’s first and only feature twirler.
Ever since she was young, Chang found a passion for baton twirling, an art so unique that she wanted to pursue it, even if it meant being the only one.
“I unexpectedly found the class in the community center, and I’ve been doing this since I was five,” Chang said. “It was something that was so rare that I thought it was interesting to learn about and at first, I was only doing it just to do it, but after I had this whole struggle with almost quitting, I realized how much the sport had meant to me and my personal growth.”
Growing up in a sport that so effortlessly combines dance and color guard techniques, Chang realized that she could enhance her skills as a dancer, thus improving her routines for baton twirling. Joining Ayala’s advanced dance team in her freshman year to making it on Ayala’s Dance Production (ADP) her sophomore year, Chang works hard to learn and memorize choreography.
“Having her make ADP, she’s grown a lot just as a performer in general,” ADP teacher Mrs. Christina Hofstetter said. “Her technique has improved, and she picks up choreography quickly. As a dancer, she does a good job with her showmanship.”
Chang’s presence around campus is immense, participating in ADP performances and shows, twirling in the rallies, and in between sporting events. Her friends have noticed her dedication toward the sport, with fluent movements of dancing and twirling.
“I’ve known her as the girl who has really good technique. Trudy is a hard worker who always holds herself to a high standard,” Joy Zhu (12) said. “Knowing that there are few people who twirl, especially at Ayala, she was determined to be Ayala’s first twirler.”
Not only does Chang make her presence known through the performing arts program, but also across the campus. Chang is involved in many clubs like Positive School Culture Club and Outreach for Christ Club, advocating and helping promote school values and spreading a light around campus.
Her passion to do good stems from a heart to serve the community, whether that be through her leadership roles in her clubs, her community service in and out of school, or in the children’s ministry at her church.
“I want to do something good to contribute to the world, because I believe every individual has their purpose and path, given by God,” Chang said. “So, my goal is just to make the best of each day and hopefully do something good that can even impact people.”
Her kindness and dedication to making those around her happy extends to her friends, as they’ve noted the best interactions they’ve had with Chang.
“She is always willing to be there for her friends and is a good person to talk to, listening to me rant about some of the most random things,” Zhu said. “She’s always there to support me and willing to give me advice when it comes to times of struggles.”
One of Chang’s most defining qualities is her strength. Strength to encourage those around her. Strength to balance her passion with her academics. Strength to keep doing what she loves.
“Since I was little, my life verse is Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me,’ because all I need is a little strength every single day to make it through,” Chang said. “It helps me get through every little obstacle, no matter how small.”
