Campus Life

Photo Essay: Stepping Into Unity at Conestoga Valley High School   

December 18, 2025
janaelapp

By Madyson Bannout ‘26 and Peyton Levering ‘27

At Conestoga Valley High School, rhythm echoes down the hallways long after the final bell rings. The CVHS Step Team, founded in 2018 as a student’s legacy project, has grown into more than a performance group — it’s a symbol of pride, confidence, and community. Through synchronized stomps, claps, and powerful movement, this team celebrates culture, teamwork, and the strength that comes from unity.

Coach Shaun Karli, who helped start the club, explained, “It began with a student who wanted to leave an imprint on the school. Step was really important to her, so she asked me to be her advisor.” What began as a small group of passionate performers has now become a special part of school spirit, with the team performing at pep rallies, basketball games, and special events.

The Step Team’s story is about more than just performance — it’s about belonging. Senior Alison Diaz Turvid, who currently serves as a Step captain, shared that when she performs, she feels “a sense of confidence and reassurance.” She continued, “What goes through my head is ‘proud to be a Black woman.’”

For many, the team represents empowerment. “I felt like I wanted to belong in something that I never had the privilege of feeling before,” Alison said. “It helped me reach more in-depth into my passion.”

Step Team members, led by Coach Olivia Hess (center), rehearse their synchronized steps in the school hallway. Each movement is sharp and deliberate as the group works together to perfect their rhythm. The international flags behind them reflect the diversity and pride that define Conestoga Valley’s Step Team.

Step Captain Alison Diaz Turvid ’27 and Coach Olivia Hess lead teammates through a coordination drill, lifting their knees in unison. The exercise shows how much focus and communication it takes to stay in sync, one beat at a time.
With arms raised and eyes forward, the Step Team rehearses a new routine during after-school practice. Their strong stances and synchronized movement highlight the confidence and teamwork built through hours of repetition.
The Step Team practices a closing move in perfect formation, each member bending forward in time with the beat. Their focus and precision show the unity that makes every performance powerful.
Junior Iyana Campbell discusses a move with captain Diaz Turvid. The team works together to choreograph the performances. In the past, they have performed at pep rallies, bonfires, and competitions with other schools.
The Step Team practices entering formation during an after-school rehearsal, moving in perfect rhythm down the hallway. Each synchronized step reflects their discipline, teamwork, and pride in representing Conestoga Valley. What looks like a simple march is really a sign of shared purpose, every movement rehearsed, refined, and performed with confidence.