By Staff Writer: Kate Bauer

Howell High School senior, Kathleen Laituri, competed at the New York City Dance Alliance competition in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, Feb. 8, taking first place in the solo senior division. Laituri competed against all 16 to 18-year-old performers and became the senior high score soloist.

Laituri impressed the judges with her performance of “Wherever You Will Go” which she choreographed and perfected by herself. She had been working on the piece for awhile, but had just recently finished it about a month before the competition.

Laituri has won other awards at the NYCDA Pittsburgh competition in previous years, including the second place high score soloist award for “Skinny Love” in 2013, but this was her first time taking the top spot.

“At first I didn’t believe it,” says Laituri. “But then I was excited and proud of myself because I did it all by myself.”

Laituri plans on performing the same routine at various competitions, including upcoming events in Detroit, South Lyon, and right here in Howell.