THS Student/Athlete Pulls Double Duty

When Clark Kent changed into Superman, at least he had a phone booth! No such luxury for Truman High School’s Davielle Swinson-Spears, who put her superhuman skills to the test March 7. Swinson-Spears, a senior, sang a solo that night in the district music contest, left and suited up for the Patriots district basketball game, then returned to perform again in the ensemble.

“We turned in our entries in mid-February, along with any conflicts that might be present,” said Kim Evans, Truman’s music teacher. “At the time, district basketball games weren’t finalized. It wasn’t until the day times were released we found out this could potentially be a problem.”

Evans said she was hopeful both of Davielle’s events would be before or after the game. “We were lucky with her solo, but were not as lucky with her ensemble,” she said.

Swinson-Spears rode the bus with the other Truman students to sing, then her mom drove her to the district championship game against William Chrisman. She left the hardwood a bit early to participate in the ensemble. “She didn’t want to let the other ensemble members down,” Evans said.

“Davielle’s a great kid,” said Steve Cassidy, Truman’s girls basketball coach. “I did not play her in the game, though.  I was scared she would need to leave or something!” Cassidy said he was proud of her devotion.

Evans too, applauded Swinson-Spears efforts.

“We were fortunate Davielle was able to participate in all three events,” Evans said. “She’s a great young lady who takes pride in what she does and keeps her commitments.

“She understood she was on more than one team that night and fulfilled her responsibilities to both. She embodies what it means to be a Patriot and a promising young person in our world.”