The Brattleboro Area Baton Twirlers have won numerous state and regional championship titles, says the Brattleboro Reformer. But, by far, representing the state of Vermont in front of a national audience at the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. outshines all those titles. The 19-member team ranges in age from elementary school to college students. They will spend three days in Washington, not only performing for one hour in front of the Jefferson Memorial, but also seeing other museums and monuments. “Not many people know a lot about baton twirling, so it’s hard to get people to understand it and recognize it as a sport,” says Alison Cornellier, 18, a member of the group since she was four years old. The Twirlers are holding various fundraisers to raise money for their trip, as well as for new uniforms and a larger team banner. You can call the Twirlers coach, Lynda Lawrence at (802) 387-2383 or 558-1001, if you’d like more information on the group or would like to make a donation.