Lifelong Perrysburg resident Ellie Garst traveled with the Illinois marching band to Orlando, Florida, to perform in the Cheez-It Bowl on December 30.

Garst is currently the feature twirler for the University of Illinois marching band, a world twirling champion and a 17-year member of the Sophisticates Ltd. Alongside twirling, Garst carries a full academic schedule while studying chemistry.

She and …