East Arbor Sisters Shine on the National Stage: Maya and Skylar’s Twirling Success at Notre Dame
For young athletes, stepping onto a national championship floor can be both thrilling and daunting. But for big sister Skylar Swafford and her younger sister Maya Bynum, taking the floor at the National Baton Twirling Association (NBTA) National Competition at the University of Notre Dame this summer was pure joy.
Off the competition floor, both sisters are dedicated students at East Arbor Charter Academy, a National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) partner-school. The same focus, enthusiasm, and growth they bring to their classrooms at East Arbor carried over to the big stage at Notre Dame, where they represented the Saline Twirlettes with pride.
A Tradition of Passion and Teamwork
The family's connection to baton twirling began when their mother, Kourtnee, was an intern at the Washtenaw Area Council for Children. There, she met Saline Twirlettes Coach Susan, who was training her in a body safety program. Inspired by Coach Susan’s dedication, Kourtnee enrolled Skylar as a rookie at age five. Maya grew up watching her big sister twirl and would pick up Skylar’s baton to try it herself. She was so excited when it was finally her turn to become a rookie, and now the tradition comes full circle as their youngest sister, Harmony, joins as a rookie this fall.
Watching her daughters step out onto the floor at Notre Dame was a moment of immense pride for Kourtnee.
"I remember thinking, 'Now it’s their time to shine,'" Kourtnee shared. "They had worked so hard for that moment, and it was incredible to watch all of that practice and dedication come together. Their dad and I were extremely proud, not only of what they accomplished, but of the confidence they showed stepping onto such a big stage."
Top-10 Finishes and Team Spirit
Both sisters delivered outstanding performances in their respective events. In the Novice Age 7 division, Maya placed ninth in Solo and fifth in Strut. Skylar earned eighth in Solo and ninth in Strut. Additionally, both girls competed as part of the "Snow White" team routine, which earned an impressive fourth-place finish in the Beginner Large Youth Dance Twirl division.
When asked how it felt to earn top-10 honors, Maya reflected on her hard work and courage.
"I felt proud of myself and happy because it was my first time at Nationals and my coach said top 10 is a big deal," Maya said.
Before stepping onto the floor for her solo routines, Maya focused her mind on bravery.
"I got this and I’m brave enough to know I can do this," she said.
For Skylar, knowing she has a support system makes all the difference when she steps under the spotlight.
"I’ve got this and don’t worry because I have a team cheering me on, especially my ‘big sister’ (an older teammate named Kristina)," Skylar shared.
Performing together as part of the 4th-place "Snow White" team routine was another highlight. Maya shared how the team spirit kept her going, even through minor discomforts.
"I got to know them better at nationals. When I perform with them I know we are all a team and we encourage each other and our big sisters are always there to let us know we got this," Maya said. "My costume feathers were itchy, but I still kept going no matter what."
Character, Discipline, and Moral Focus in Action
Behind their national success is hours of dedicated summer practice. Balancing athletic training with academics requires real discipline, a journey beautifully supported by their community at East Arbor Charter Academy. As an NHA partner-school, East Arbor weaves the Moral Focus™ program into everyday learning, gently nurturing virtues like perseverance, courage, respect, and wisdom. For Maya and Skylar, these aren't just monthly character themes on a classroom bulletin board; they are heartfelt values that guide how they handle tough practices, support their teammates, and show up as caring sisters.
Kourtnee sees those virtues reflected every day in how the girls navigate their busy routines and support one another.
"Being part of the Saline Twirlettes has helped them grow in so many areas, especially teamwork, discipline, accountability, confidence, resilience, and perseverance," Kourtnee explained. "They have learned how to work alongside teammates of different ages, backgrounds, personalities, and abilities. One of the biggest lessons has been understanding that everything isn’t always about you. When you are part of a team routine, other people are counting on you to know your part, show up, work hard, and give your best."
Back at East Arbor Charter Academy, their classmates and teachers have taken notice of their impressive accomplishments. Skylar mentioned that her teacher, Mrs. Hughbanks, asked all about her experience.
"Mrs. Hughbanks asked me a lot of questions and I told her it was hard work but so much fun," Skylar said.
After all their hard work at Notre Dame, the family made sure to celebrate in style, decorating their hotel room with banners and streamers before treating the girls to pretzels and ice cream.
With Maya mastering her two-turn and one-spin and Skylar working on her fishtails, there is no doubt these two East Arbor scholars will continue to shine bright both in the classroom and on the twirling floor!
