One tough Highlander
While some people wear different hats, Meghan Hescheles wears different pairs of shoes.
The Brighton sophomore recently became involved with Highland dancing - an athletic, solo style of dance; which is just one way she celebrates her Scottish heritage. She also is a member of the Central Michigan University women's club lacrosse team.
"I absolutely love lacrosse and I absolutely love dancing," Hescheles said. "Dancing is more a heritage and an expression of the past - lacrosse is just a fun activity and it's really a huge expression of who I am as an athlete."
Hescheles was introduced into Highland dancing only six months ago, in the hopes of further exploring her Scottish heritage and contributing to Scottish culture.
"It's a very recent thing for me," she said. "I decided a long time ago that I would like to start - I just never really had the opportunity or the money available to do it until now."
Dancing has long been a part of the Scottish culture, and Hescheles is well aware of its historical significance.
"There's kind of a constant theme of celebration and renewal of our heritage in every dance that we do," she said. "Most of the time it's directed as Scottish Highland Dancing, but there's multiple different types of dances."
Several dances are associated with different themes, she said. The "Seann Triubhas" was written as a celebratory dance. "Sword" dances were performed prior to Scottish men being sent off to war. The "Highland Fling" was performed as a celebration for returning war heroes.
Highland dancing is, for the most part, a competitive sport, and is part of the Scottish Highland games, which are held annually in several countries.
This year marks the 160th anniversary of the games being held by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit and are a traditional part of Scottish culture.
In addition to dancing, Hescheles also was awarded a scholarship through a metro-Detroit Scottish organization.
She was recently crowned "Queen of the Highlands," which is a scholarship program started in 2005 by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit in Southfield.
"It's incredibly overwhelming and exciting at the same time," Hescheles said. "I really didn't think it was going to be me."
Applicants had to be of Scottish descent, a college student and submit an essay to be considered. Hescheles and four other finalists were invited to a Ceilidh, a Scottish party/gathering that took place in Livonia April 4.
Each candidate was interviewed by a selection committee and the queen and court were selected in the evening.
On the American side of things, Hescheles joined the women's club lacrosse team during the 2007-2008 school year.
She has been involved in lacrosse since high school, but has been unable to play on the team this year due to a busy schedule.
When she does play, she is a valuable asset to the team, said Audrey Carrasco, women's club lacrosse team president.
"She's an experienced member, while a lot of the other players aren't," the Troy senior said.
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