When Drum Majorettes of America held its Nationals competition in Aiken, S.C., this summer, two Columbia girls took top honors for the second year in a row. Myrah Baker won Little Majorette Princess of America, and Gracelynn "Gracie" O'Dell won Wee Majorette Princess of America.

Both girls are students at Paula's School of Baton in Mount Joy, and both have been twirling batons almost since they could walk. Now 9 years old and a fourth-grader at Our Lady of the Angels School, Myrah began twirling at age 2. That's the same age Gracie, now 8 years old and a second-grader at Park Elementary School, also took up the baton.

Nationals presented an opportunity for both girls to spotlight their talent as twirlers.

"I had to do five different routines and modeling," Myrah said, noting that she had to complete a solo, strut and talent routine. "For my talent routine, I did a hip-hop dance to a Missy Elliott remix, which was really fun," she said.

Gracie competed in four events: solo, strut, modeling and show presentation/talent.

"I placed first in both my solo and strut," she said. "For my show presentation, I performed a lyrical routine to 'Tale as Old as Time' from 'Beauty and the Beast.' Each event is scored, and the results from all four are used to determine the overall winner."

Although they went into the competition prepared to do well, both girls said they were pleasantly surprised to take home back-to-back national titles.

"I was excited and nervous all at the same time," Gracie said. "I couldn't wait to hug my mom and dad and celebrate with them!"

Myrah also felt a mix of excitement and nerves, she said, adding, "For my All Star title, I did not expect to win but was very happy because it was my first time competing in this category."

Last year, Myrah took home the title of Wee Majorette Princess of America, while Gracie earned Miniature Majorette Princess of America.

Both girls said it's great to win, but no matter how they do, they just love to twirl.

"It's fun, and it challenges me to keep working hard every day," said Gracie. "I have to keep trying things over and over, even on the days when it's hard. When I catch new tricks, it's so exciting and I am so proud."

Myrah also loves learning new tricks, especially the more challenging ones.

"I'm taking a roll class now," she explained. "It's when you roll the baton on your neck or arms, and it's really fun learning how to control the baton. I also love twirling with my friends and traveling to different states. I now have friends from different states, too."

Myrah, who is the daughter of Colby Baker and Bryson Nicholson of Columbia, said she hopes to continue twirling through high school and college.

"I want to go to college with my best friend Klaire so we can twirl together," she said. "I practice a lot. Sometimes it's hard, especially when it's hot outside. When we have competitions, I get to skip school sometimes, but don't tell my school."

When she's not twirling, she enjoys cheering her friends on at competitions, and she currently helps to teach a creative movement class for Tiny Tots at Paula's School of Baton.

Beyond twirling, she likes to play Roblox, spend time with her family and play with her friends.

"I also like to jump on the trampoline at my nan's house and eat fruits and vegetables," she said.

Gracie is the daughter of Joshua and Corine O'Dell of Columbia. She also hopes to continue twirling in high school and college.

"I recently got to twirl at the high school during a football game, and I had so much fun," she said. "It made me even more excited to hopefully do that too someday."

In her free time, she loves doing her makeup and skincare routines, playing school, making videos, hanging out with friends and snuggling her squishies.

"One of my favorite parts of twirling is all of the friends I've made and the memories we get to make together," Gracie said. "I'm really excited that Myrah and I both get to reign as Princesses together again this year! Winning is really exciting, but I also love getting to travel, compete and cheer on my friends, queens and teammates."

Myrah shared that sentiment, adding, "I am excited to be a princess again with Gracie. It's fun when you get to reign with friends."