Published: October 25, 2009 08:50 am      

Nation has the right stuff

WOMS drill team member charming, determined

Being strong minded is not always a bad thing— it has worked out so far for 12-year-old Gabrielle “Gabbi” Nation.

Gabbi can be seen performing at the West Orange Middle School football games as a member of the Stallionettes Drill Team. She proudly walks onto the field using her walker and takes her place. The other 12 members of the Stallionettes then join her. When the music begins, with a smile almost as sparkling as her blue and silver uniform, she performs the routine without missing a beat. Gabbi said her favorite part of being on the drill team is, “getting to be on the field.”

“She was raised to be tough and not let obstacles get in her way,” said Allen Nation, Gabbi’s father. “She has a strong will and a fight about her.”

Allen Nation says his daughter came to him with the application to join the drill team. He explained to her that she may not be allowed to join. Gabbi told him she would be disappointed, but understood.

But, the seventh grader says she had the “want to” and liked to dance. Besides, she said with a smile, she likes the attention.

Gabbi had not had any formal dance classes before deciding to join the drill team. But, that didn’t stop her either.

“It’s just something she wanted to do,” Allen Nation said.

Allen Nation says a special “kudos” to Pat Broussard and Melanie Williams, drill team sponsors, since they were more than willing to have Gabbi as part of the team.

But, from the beginning Gabbi exerted her determination. She had six surgeries before she was 2 years old.

“We feel we are very blessed,” Allen Nation said.

Allen Nation admits he is very proud of his daughter and at times he is wrapped around her little finger.

When not doing normal girl things such as listening to music, hanging out with friends or talking on the phone, Gabbi has been involved with the Nederland Little League since she was 5 years old where she plays softball and is first baseman.

She is also an avid reader of mystery and fairy tale books.

Over the summer Gabbi, who doesn’t slow down much, won first place in the Soap Box Derby in Beaumont. After then it was off to Ohio to compete again where she received honorable mention.

“She is just like every other kid,” said Ronda Nation, Gabbi’s mother. “She just uses a device to walk.”



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.