Grand Blanc Alum is Off to Big Rose Bowl Performance

Grand Blanc's pride is soaring high as one of its own heads to the iconic Rose Bowl, not to chase touchdowns or tackles, but to make history of a different kind!

All eyes are on Pasadena on New Year's Day, and University of Michigan fans from around the state and country will be cheering on their Wolverines as they take on the Crimson Tide of Alabama in a a race to the National Championship. Some may say the football players are the real stars of the show earning a trip to the legendary bowl game, but the sidelines will be stacked with some impressive stars including one recent Grand Blanc High School graduate.

Hayden Quinn, a 2021 graduate of Grand Blanc High School and a former Miss Grand Blanc, has a passion for dance has earned her a coveted spot in the prestigious University of Michigan Dance Team. The award-winning team will travel along with the football team, cheerleaders, and marching band to Pasadena not only for the big game but the Rose Bowl Parade as well.

Quinn, who was part of the GBHS Pom Team in high school, talked to us about the honor heading her way saying,

"The Rose Bowl is traditionally one of the most incredible experiences and I am so grateful to be a part of it! Regardless of the outcome of the game, dancing in the Rose Bowl Parade and on the sidelines at the game is going to be unforgettable. I’ve already had such a fulfilling experience this year with such a successful season, but this will be the cherry on top of everything amazing MDT has gotten to do this year."

Photo: Courtesy of Hayden Quinn

The stand-out dancer is in her third year on the Michigan Dance Team (MDT) and is currently a junior at the School of Nursing. She is set to graduate in May of 2025 and is relishing every single moment with the team.

"Michigan Football has had an extraordinary season, and I’ve had the privilege to watch most of it on the field. Dancing in the Big House has been something I’ve dreamed of since dancing at the Frank in Grand Blanc, and as MDT is approaching College Nationals, I couldn’t be more excited for the next month that will be filled with everything Game Day, dance, and performances", she said. "It’s truly an honor to be a student-athlete at the best university in the world, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for the Wolverines".

You'll be able to catch Hayden the the entire MDT in the 135th Rose Parade on NBC New Year's Day starting at 11:00 am. The big game, The Rose Bowl, will kick off at 5:00 pm.

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