If you’re a fan of American Idol, then you might have seen our Lancer Girl’s Varsity Track and Field team in the exclusive clip of Rita Ora’s new song, “Finish Line,” written by the renowned and award-winning songwriter, Diane Warren. The clip premiered Sunday, May 15, 2022 during ABC’s “American Idol.”

Our Lancers received the honor of featuring in the music video for “Finish Line” that will serve as the soundtrack for “37 Words,” a four-part ESPN docuseries from documentary filmmakers Dawn Porter and Nicole Newnham, as part of The Walt Disney Company's Fifty/50 initiative led by ESPN.

The "Fifty/50" initiative is a part of The Walt Disney Company’s passion project. The project commemorates the 50th anniversary of the June 23, 1972 passing of Title Ⅸ, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity,

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title Ⅸ gives women the equal opportunity for many programs, including being able to play sports in the educational setting. Being a part of this initiative helps us celebrate at least three, if not more, of our core principles:

1. INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY: We celebrate our inclusive, co-educational and diverse environment because it prepares our students for an increasingly global culture and economic landscape.

2. RESPECT FOR ALL PERSONS: Our diverse student-body fosters acceptance of all persons and enables spaces in which differing and opposing points of view can be shared and heard. We do not tolerate prejudice, bigotry or discrimination, because it has no place in the world.

3. CONCERNS FOR THE POOR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: We place a strong emphasis on service, through classes and opportunities to serve in our community and around the world. We do this to instill in our students a sense of responsibility; that their impact in addressing social challenges is needed and can be felt beyond our walls.

In Rita Ora’s words, “The fight for women’s equality is a global issue. Every day, women around the world are fighting to be seen, heard and respected. We must continue to work to empower one another as we strive to make equality a reality for women in every part of the world.”

Our very own track team, along with other athletes from around the world, are helping to highlight this global issue and how far women have come in sports and in society over the past fifty years.

Thank you to our Lancers for being people of excellence who are helping shape a better tomorrow.

Check out the exclusive clip and see if you can spot our Lancers!