FLAG
Rhonda Harris
Rhonda Harris is from Neptune, NJ and currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA with her husband Kevin and 5 year old son Kevin Jr. Her journey in marching band began in high school where she served as the band manager. It was not until 1996 at Norfolk State University, that she discovered that she had a true love for band when she became a member of the Marching Spartan Legion as a “Silkette” Flag Twirler under the leadership of Chanel Bryant, former “Silkette” Coordinator. During her 4 year tenure with the Spartan Legion she was referred to as 1 of 4 Clydesdales due to her powerful high stepping marching ability. Rhonda graduated from Norfolk State University in May of 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Due to her love of band she returned to Norfolk State University as a graduate student and a first year teacher to march during the 2000 band season.
As an 8 year veteran of the United States Army, disciplined and dedicated are a couple of words that define Rhonda. While at Norfolk State University, Rhonda became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. She is currently an active member in the Virginia Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. where she serves as the Sergeant-at-Arms.
In 2006, Rhonda earned her first Master Degree from Regent University in the area of Educational Leadership and Supervision. Rhonda then returned to Norfolk State University and received a 2nd Master Degree in Urban Education with a Math Specialist Endorsement. Currently she is a Math Specialist at Richard Bowling Elementary School in Norfolk Public Schools. She has devoted 14 years to Norfolk Public Schools. In addition, she is a consultant for Math Solutions, a company founded by Marilyn Burns.
Rhonda believes that everyone has a calling and a purpose in life. It is up to us to allow God to order our steps and we follow as intended.
Franita Delk
Franita Delk is a native of Portsmouth, VA. She was a member of the “Silkette” Flag Squad of the Marching “Spartan Legion” and is currently the Flag Coordinator at I.C. Norcom High School.
Allison Knappenberger
Allison Knappenberger began competing in color guard in 2002. At Parkland high school in Allentown, PA, she competed in the TIA (Tournament Indoor Association) circuit in the Scholastic Open class. She competed along with her team during the marching band season in ACC (Atlantic Coast) competitions. She has been spinning flag, rifle and sabre since 2002. In college, she was captain of the California University of Pennsylvania color guard from 2005-2008 writing drill and routines for the team. She was also captain/director of the Defiance Winter Guard at California University of Pennsylvania from 2006-2008. In 2008 she traveled and competed with Excel Winter guard, an independent team in WGI, TIA and TRWEA circuits utilizing corps style spinning. That season, before aging out, the team won 2nd place in the Independent A division at TIA Championships in Wildwood, NJ. Upon aging out of the competitive circuit, she coached the Kellam High School color guard in Virginia Beach for two marching seasons as well as instructed corps style spinning with The Essence of Twirling and Dance Workshops. She enjoyed her journey through color guard: learning, creating and instructing. Watching the beauty on the field or floor has proven to be the largest payoff.
Tynisa Giles
Tynisa Giles is originally from Neptune, NJ. She graduated in 2000 from Norfolk State University with a BSW and an MSW in Social Work from Norfolk State University in 2003. Mrs. Giles also earned an Ed.D in Education from Walden University in 2012. Her flag corp experiences began 25 years ago as a swing flag and tall flag member of Neptune High School’s core style marching band program. She is an alumnus of the “Spartan Legion” Marching Band at Norfolk State University, where she was a member( 1996-1999) and served as section leader (1998-1999) of the Silkettes Flag Squad under the direction of Chanel Bryant, former “Silkette” Coordinator. Dr. Giles served as the Flag Coordinator for Sussex Central High School Marching Band in Sussex, VA where she help revitalized the program and instructed the flag line to place in regional competitions. .
Jazmine Copeland
Jazmine Copeland is graduate of Lakeland High School in Suffolk, VA. She served as Captain of the award-winning “Blue Gems” Flag squad of the Lakeland High School Marching “Quiet Storm”, leading them to an undefeated season in competition her senior year. Jazmin is currently a student at Norfolk State University where she is a member of the cheerleading squad and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.