Dependent majorette is national champ Published May 17, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- A Lakenheath Middle School student recently placed first in three events at the United Kingdom Federation of Majorettes national competition held in West Sussex. Eighth grader Nicolette Gaboriault-Whitcomb, daughter of Lt. Col. Steve Gaboriault-Whitcomb, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering flight commander, is a member of the Blue Vision Twirling Group in Huntingdon, who belong to the United Kingdom Federation of Majorettes. "I placed third in fancy strut, second in majorette march, first in flag duo, first in mace solo and first in solo for advance twirl in my age group," said Nicolette."Twirling in the states is a lot different and it's fun to experience the different kinds of twirling they have here in the U.K." One of the challenges Nicolette faced while learning the different twirling techniques used here in the U.K. was having to learn how to catch the baton thumb-to-ball. "I struggled with learning a new way to catching the baton because in the states when you catch the baton it doesn't matter which way you catch it, but here you have to catch it thumb-to-ball," said Nicolette. Along with new techniques came new equipment that Nicolette had to learn as well, such as the mace. "The mace is tall and really heavy and she had never even picked one up until about last August and then she goes to nationals and places first in her division, now that's pretty cool," said Natalie Gaboriault-Whitcomb, Nicolette's mother. Even though Nicolette had to learn new techniques and new equipment utilized here in England, she rose to the challenge by winning numerous awards, most notably first in advance twirl solo which designates her as a champion within the federation. This means that for now and forevermore she will always compete at the championship level within the federation. "I wouldn't be where I am today without every single person on that troop because everyone is so helpful and supportive of one another," said Nicolette. Nicolette is the only American on her team of 30 and says it's a really cool way of seeing all the different cultures in the U.K. "She has made some really good friends and, as the only American on her team represents our nation well," said Lt. Col. Steve Gaboriault-Whitcomb. "She has taught some tricks that she has learned in America and has learned a lot of new things here in England." With another year left here at RAF Lakenheath, Nicolette said she plans to compete again next year doing what she loves.