Staff Photo Highlight: Sydney Digby, Riverdale First Grade Teacher

For first grade teacher Sydney Digby, dance has always been more than a hobby. It has been a defining part of her life. In her fun staff photo, that passion takes center stage, reflecting years of dedication, performance, and unforgettable experiences that continue to shape who she is today.

“I started dancing when I was three years old,” Digby said. “I fell in love with it and continued throughout all of my childhood.” Trained in multiple styles through competitive dance, she quickly found her favorite. “My favorite style of dance is lyrical,” she said. “It’s where I felt most connected.”

Some of her earliest memories still stand out. “One of my best memories as a young dancer is performing at my school talent show,” she said. “I loved dancing in front of my friends and teachers. It’s something I’ll always remember.”

That passion carried her to the University of Memphis, where she became a member of the Memphis Pom squad. “Dance is what brought me to Memphis,” she said. One of her favorite moments came during her freshman year when College GameDay visited campus. “We got to dance downtown that morning and were on television. The energy was insane, and it was one of the best games I ever got to dance at.”

When asked what her favorite sports season to dance in was, Digby didn’t hesitate to say football. “Running out of the tunnel, waving your poms, and seeing the crowd cheering is one of the best feelings,” she said. She also enjoyed performing at basketball games at the FedExForum, where the atmosphere and close connection with fans made each performance unique.

Her college dance career reached a major milestone at Universal Dance Association nationals in Orlando. “We won nationals my second year on the team,” she said. “All the hard work, long hours, and dedication paid off. It was one of the best moments.”

While Digby no longer dances competitively, her love for the art remains strong. “Dance helped shape me into who I am today,” she said. “It brought me out of my shell, taught me how to be part of a team, and gave me lifelong friendships.”

Now in the classroom, she carries those lessons forward, encouraging her students to be confident and persistent. “Don’t doubt yourself,” she said. “Be your own biggest supporter, and enjoy every moment because it goes by fast.”

Her fun photo captures that journey, one filled with movement, confidence, and a lifelong love for dance. We are thankful for teachers like Ms. Digby who carry their own journeys into their classroom and encourage their students at every turn to pursue their best and uplift one another.