LAKE Intermediate graduate Destinee Mayares appeared on The Ellen Show with her dance team, “The Lab.”

Lake Intermediate School eighth grade graduate Destinee Mayares is not only a top scholar and straight-A student, she is also a talented dancer currently competing on NBC’s hit dance competition series, “World of Dance.”

Mayares is one of 15 members on the hip-hop dance team, The Lab which recently made it past the week one qualifier round of the dance competition.  She also appeared with The

DESTINEE MAYARES

Lab on NBC’s “The Ellen Show” on May 18.  Mayares said she began dancing at the age of six, teaching herself from YouTube videos, training with her dad, and joining local dance studios to strengthen her skills.

Mayares and her mother Roni attribute much of her academic success to the supportive teachers and staff at Lake Intermediate School who helped her balance her studies with her professional dance career. Mayares said her teachers would stay late to help her catch up and were great about providing support and open communication.  This level of service helped Mayares remain successful at school, earning a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

“As a parent, I am so happy with the support she has received from the principal, office staff, teachers, and everyone at Lake Intermediate School who helped keep her on track,” said Roni Mayares who also attended GGUSD schools as a child.  “It took her hard work and also the patience, understanding, and cooperation of the staff at Lake to make it all happen.”

Right now, her favorite subjects in school are math and science but in the future, Mayares hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a professional choreographer, traveling the world, inspiring others, and encouraging young girls.