Central Public Schools - Education Is Central

Our final Hall of Fame honoree is not one person, but an entire team. We’re proud to celebrate the Central High School 1983 State Champion Dance Team!

The Central High School dance team dedicated their time to the sport all year long. From summer parades with the band, to dancing at sporting events, to competing at local and state competitions. Under the leadership of Coach Jenny Rosengren, the team attended the state competition each year.

The team put in the hard work to perfect their dance routine choreographed to the song “Desdemona” from the TV Show Fame. At the 1983 state competition, they finally earned the title of State Champions. The final standings were: 1. Central 2. Waconia, 3. Annandale, 4. Archbishop Brady, 5. Crosby-Ironton. Following the championship, the team were invited to dance at a Vikings football game.

Coach Jenny Rosengren was in her sixth year as an Advisor when they were named state champions. She was a danceliner herself as a part of the Highland Lassie, which was known to have the reputation of one of the best in the state.

1983 Championship Dance Team
-Seniors: Susie Beier and Dana Glander
-Juniors: Bonnie Siewert, Mia Wichelman, Andrea Rodgers, Diane Lenzen and Connie Wotczak
-Sophomores: Jody Schuettpelz, Linda Stuewe, Tammy Wald, Carol Panning and Mary Salonek
-Freshman: CoCo Rodgers, Janel Lenzen, Kim Willemsen and Kelly Wolter
-Coach: Jenny Rosengren

Our alumni association reached out to members of the 1983 championship team and many of them shared their favorite memories:

“My favorite moment was at State in 1983 and we just competed in the finals. We were all sitting arm-to-arm in a circle waiting for the results. They started with the lower finishes on their way to first place. The last two teams left were us and the Waconia Lakettes (our rivals). The announcer said, ‘and second place goes to...the Waconia Lakettes’. At that moment, I realized we won and were state champions! We cried, we screamed, and we hugged one another to celebrate such a great accomplishment. Forty-two years later, recalling that moment still gives me goosebumps!”
Jody (Schuettpelz) O'Neil

“At State, the Waconia Lakettes were our biggest rivals, so when we heard ‘in 2nd place, Waconia’ we were ecstatic!”
Kelly Wolter Farrell

“I have so many great memories of my years on the dance team:
Creating a bond and friendship with all the ladies on the team and practicing most days after school. We all took it very seriously and wanted to do our best.
Participating in all the dance competitions at other schools
Dancing at half time for school sports
A top memory for me is when we got first at State, which also meant finally beating Waconia's danceline :)
Grateful for Rosie, who made the danceline so fun. She was an awesome coach!”
Carol (Panning) Dvorak

“The danceline competitions were absolutely amazing. Getting all of our hair done before a competition with tons of dipity doo and hairspray! We all did each other's hair. Such great memories. Taking the bus loaded with family, friends and the danceline. Many hours of daily practice in the commons (lunch room) stretching, practicing, helping each other do the splits against the walls. Crazy! Friday pepfest in the gym before games was a highlight and oftentimes the Indianettes would perform. Parades were just as fun in the summer with the band where we did flags and twirled the guns. Super cool to do this with the band. Winning state was incredible for us because we worked so hard to get there! Desdemona was our song and we beat our rival (Waconia Lakettes!). Many happy tears that day! Thank you for honoring us in the CHS Hall of Fame 2025!”
Linda (Stuewe) Sons

“In being a member of the Central Dance Team I learned many life lessons, in personal hard work and in team work. I made good friends and good memories. The best memory I have of that day was after we had finished our final routines and we were waiting on the gym floor, huddled together as a team, hearing the results of the judging. They named off the teams and were down to our team and Waconia. Then they said, ‘Second Place Waconia…’ thus giving us First Place! We were ecstatic! All our hard work had paid off!”
Connie (Wotczak) Gray

Congratulations to the 1983 Dance Team! We look forward to recognizing the team’s accomplishments at the upcoming Raider Rally.

Our senior class had the honor of passing their school spirit down to the newest members of our Central family—the kindergarteners! From their first day to their last, the seniors have embraced the spirit of supporting one another, celebrating achievements, and keeping traditions alive. In a heartfelt letter, they encouraged the kindergartners to continue this legacy, make their own memories, and wear their Raider pins with pride. From the Class of 2026 to the Class of 2038—carry on the spirit and make us proud!

Congratulations to our 2025 Homecoming King and Queen, Kyson Evenski and Marlie Beneke!