To introduce the New York Jets Flight Crew’s 2008 finalists, newyorkjets.com is running profiles of all 51 young ladies prior to the finals on Sunday, June 1. Marc Ecko, who is designing the ’08 uniforms, will host the finals, which will be closed to the public. Twenty-one finalists will be selected for the squad and then Jets fans will be able to vote for the 22nd and final member of the Flight Crew on newyorkjets.com.
In this group: Natalie, Justine, Heather, Stephanie, Jennifer, Christina and Danielle.
NATALIE
Audition No. 16
Occupation: Cheerleading specialist at Oak Crest Day Camp for the summer.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I absolutely love to dance and entertain. I enjoy getting people pumped up for a game and hope that my enthusiasm rubs off on others around me.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday’s finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am very excited and anxious for Sunday. I am preparing as much as I can, so I can go into the finals with an impressive performance.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
My ability to stay peppy, enthusiastic and humorous throughout most all situations.
What word best describes you?
Personable.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
I would change the way I am too hard on myself at times.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was born in Texas.
What inspires you?
Dance. It is something I have done ever since I was 2½ years old and I cannot picture my life without it.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To “not sweat the small stuff” (from my fiancée).
If you could with any four people in the history of the world, who’s sitting at your table?
Jesus, Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres and my mom.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Visit my family and friends back in Texas.
Who is your favorite actress?
Sandra Bullock.
What’s your favorite thing about New York City?
The shopping.
JUSTINE
Audition No. 70
Occupation: I graduate from Northport High School in two weeks and I will be attending Iona College in the fall. I am waitressing and teaching dance.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I want to dance in front of 80,000 people. My dream is to dance professionally. I’ve been a dancer and a cheerleader my whole life and I love meeting people.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday’s finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I honestly cannot put it into words. I’m so excited. I love meeting people and I love dancing for every type of audition.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
My artistic talent.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Unless you went to my high school, most people don't know I’m an artist.
What inspires you?
An amazing dancer inspires me to better myself and to keep dancing. Whenever someone has extreme passion or drive, I am inspired.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who’s sitting at your table?
I’ll take more than four. The old Michael Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Pitt, Mia Michaels, Leonardo da Vinci and Dane Cook.
Do you have unique superstitions?
I work at a restaurant and every time I spill the salt, I throw it over my right shoulder.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Obviously Chad Pennington, but I also like Kerry Rhodes.
You’ve received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Sushi or penne a la vodka.
What’s your favorite thing about New York City?
Everything. I cannot wait to live there.
What advice do you have for young people?
Enjoy yourself, take risks and try new things!
HEATHER
Audition No. 95
Occupation: Nurses Aide, Stony Brook Hospital, and Student, Health Sciences, Stony Brook University
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I have neglected my passion for dance since I graduated JMU two years ago and this feels like the perfect opportunity to light that fire again! Since tryouts, I feel alive again!
Can you explain you feelings heading into Sunday’s feelings at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
Extremely anxious! I know I have a lot to offer, I just pray everything falls into place and is meant to be.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
My positive attitude. It tends to be contagious.
What word best describes you?
Adventurous.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
My new haircut. I miss my long hair! But that’s being adventurous I guess!
What is something most people don’t know about you?
That I hate my haircut.
What inspires you?
People who live their lives without fear of trying to achieve their goals and dreams.
A pet peeve?
Negative attitudes. Unfortunately they can be contagious too and they can really mask a great moment.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My Dad. His support, attitude, work ethic, smile, love of life and commitment to our family is truly a blessing in my life.
What’s your favorite thing about New York City?
The endless opportunities and possibilities it presents while still maintaining a very unique spirit somehow.
What advice do you have for young people?
To recognize and appreciate the power of choice. Life really is defined by one’s choices and decisions. Don’t be afraid to take a risk or let yourself try new things, and each clay is a golden opportunity if you make it one!
STEPHANIE
Audition No. 114
Occupation: Student, currently attending Sacred Heart University.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
It is my dream job to be part of an NFL team, especially getting involved with fans. New York fans are the best!
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday’s finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I’m anxious and excited! The finals cannot come soon enough. This whole experience is like a dream.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I’m meticulous and responsible.
What word best describes you?
STEPHTACULAR! It’s my name and spectacular put together.
If there was something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
My feet. I have ugly dancer feet.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I am an awesome cook and a bookworm.
What inspires you?
Aside from my parents, anyone who puts lives on the line to help others. Those kinds of people are true heroes.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never compete against others, compete with your personal bests.
If you could eat with any four people in the history of the world, who’s sitting at your table?
Oprah, Lucille Ball, Bob Fosse and Bernie Williams.
Do you have any unique superstitions?
Every time I drive over train tracks, I close my eyes, lift my feet over the floor and make a wish.
A pet peeve?
Bad table manners!
What’s your favorite song?
"For the Longest Time" by Billy Joel.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Pennington. I have a thing for quarterbacks.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Go skydiving.
You’ve received a menu with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Forget dinner, I want everything on the dessert menu.
Who is your favorite actress?
Lucille Ball.
What’s your favorite thing about New York City?
All the crazy people you see.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Wearing a red hoodie, riding my bike and holding my ET doll pretending I was trying to save ET for real with my best friend.
JENNIFER
Audition No. 134
Occupation: Mother of two children, Ethan, 6, and Gabriela, 5.
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I grew up a dancer and rhythmic gymnast. I love to perform and entertain.
Can you explain you feelings heading into Sunday’s finals at Marc Echo Enterprises?
I am elated to have such a fantastic opportunity. I hope to do my best and make my family and friends proud.
What inspires you?
My family. I admire my mom for being an amazing person and mother. When I was 15, my father passed away. My mom raised me with only my best interests in mind even if it meant she had to sacrifice in the process.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Stay true to yourself.
A pet peeve?
Bad drivers.
What’s your favorite song?
"Sunshine of My Life."
Who is your favorite singer?
Billy Joel.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Wesley Walker.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
Spend the 24 hours with my family and my friends.
You’ve received a menu with unlimited with unlimited choices. What are you eating?
Hamburgers and onion rings.
Who is your favorite actress?
Julia Roberts. She is not only a great actress but also a great mom who stays out of the trashy media.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My dad. Although I only had 15 years with him, he taught me so much.
What’s your favorite thing about New York City?
I love being able to walk to almost all destinations.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
My dad used to take me to NY Jets training camp when I was a kid. Now I can take my own kids to training camp.
What advice do you have for young people?
Always be nice to others!
CHRISTINA
Audition No. 145
Occupation: Student, Sachem East High School
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
I’ve been dancing for 15 years and I was hoping to continue dancing after I graduate.
Can you explain your feelings heading into Sunday’s finals at Marc Ecko Enterprises?
I am so excited and pumped to give it all I have.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I’m outgoing.
What word best describes you?
Both fun and personable!
What is something most people don’t know about you?
When I want something or I am going out to do something, I will not stop until I get it.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To always follow my heart no matter what or where I go and to always do the best I possibly can.
Do you have any unique superstitions?
Yes. I had a family friend whose daughter was 5 and died from cancer. Her favorite things were ladybugs and whenever I see a ladybug with five spots, it means good luck.
Who is your favorite Jet?
Pennington.
Who is your favorite actress?
Angelina Jolie.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mother. She is my best friend and always helps me when I need her.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
I was Miss Suffolk County when I was 10.
What advice do you have for young people?
To always follow your dreams and never give up on what you believe.
DANIELLE
Audition No. 187
Occupation: Dance teacher and caregiver
Why do you want to be a member of the Flight Crew?
It has been a lifelong goal to dance for the NFL. Also I want to have the chance to perform in front of so many people.
What is your most outstanding characteristic?
I am very friendly and enthusiastic.
What inspires you?
People who follow their dreams. It makes me want to follow mine that much more.
What’s your favorite song?
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. I love singing to it in my car.
Group?
Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam.
If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?
I would have my mom’s macaroni and meatballs for dinner and spend the next 24 hours with my loved ones.
What is the best movie you’ve seen over the past two years?
"In Her Shoes."
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My fiancée because he is everything that I aspire to be. He’s supportive, generous, loving and lets me be who I am and supports me. I admire everything about him.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
Yes. My favorite memory was the day my dance teacher asked me into the dance company. I was so excited.
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