This award is a student and staff award for me, because it takes the entire team of brigade members, cheerleaders and assistant directors to make our performances a success.”

Patricia Henson - Katy ISD teacher

The Texas Dance Educators Association recently honored Patricia Henson with their annual Lifetime Achievement Award for her role as the director of the Katy Bengal Brigade and Cheerleaders. Under Henson’s leadership, the brigade has performed at all of the largest stadiums in Texas including the Astrodome, Alamodome, Texas Stadium, NRG Stadium and the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, according to a Jan. 30 press release from KISD.

“My goal has always been to inspire this group of students to express their love for dance and cheer. I am honored that my TDEA peers have selected me for this high honor,” Henson said.

The TDEA awards committee selects up to ten nominees from across Texas for consideration of the lifetime achievement award and then judges the contenders based on their dedication to the profession and commitment toward the advancement of their respective dance and drill teams, the press release said.

“This award is a student and staff award for me, because it takes the entire team of brigade members, cheerleaders and assistant directors to make our performances a success,” Henson said.