FOREVER KILGORE COLLEGE RANGERETTES NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019 Forever dues now do more for ’Rettes and our dues have stayed the Lifetime rate changes as online payment method debuts same from the beginning,” Lifetime-membership College Rangerettes. The Ran- investment to $200 from $150 Forever President Velma payments now will go further gerettes Forever board voted and to eliminate annual dues. McCollum Yount, 35th Line, toward helping the Kilgore in June to increase the lifetime “All costs have increased, Please see DUES on page 5. JUMPING With new freshman line, Rangerettes begin celebration INTO 80 of team’s eight decades PAGE 10

Sophomore Kilgore College Rangerettes sing the school’s fight song as they encircle new freshmen July 19 in Dodson Auditorium. See the first performance of the Rangerettes’ 80th year beginning 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, on the same stage. KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/JAMIE MALDONADO

‘I’m at home here,’ new residence manager says as year begins BY KATHRYN MORTON 69 more daughters to her fold College Rangerettes Assistant Longacre took the residence when she took on manager Director and Choreographer reins from Shirley Hankins Betty Longacre has been a duties at the Rangerette Shelley Stoeck Wayne, 46th Arredondo, who retired from Rangerette mom for decades, Residence. Line, and grandmother of the position to be closer to her but this summer she added The mother of Kilgore Ryan Wayne, 78th Line, Please see RESIDENCE on page 5. FOREVER Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT RANGERETTES FOREVER PUBLISHES THIS Looking back on term, forward to growth NEWSLETTER FOR OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ou know, a few years ago when Beverly OF RANGERETTES. STAY IN TOUCH: Click here to submit Y Swatzell approached me about being on the your contact information to the Rangerettes Please send any physical board, I was not sure. I can now say it has been Forever so you don’t miss important news. address changes or email a fun and rewarding time. Being able to work address changes to the with so many of our talented Kilgore College Alumni Association at Forevers and reunite with Rangerettes Forever Foundation nonprofit to [email protected]. Please many of my Rangerette line has help support our organization through fundrais- include your full name and certainly been an added treat. ing for scholarships, travel and other necessities maiden name, if applicable, associated with your college We have an amazing organiza- that may arise. I have always heard, if you don’t record to ensure a proper tion, and I am sure Miss Davis change and grow, you don’t survive. We are match of the information. We is smiling and happy as the certainly an organization growing and changing, do not distribute or sell our VELMA alumni data, including emails, 80th year kicks off. as well as Kilgore College. to any outside organizations. MCCOLLUM I had the pleasure of going We have a wonderful new board stepping in YOUNT Send news tips to [email protected] up to represent the Forevers 35TH LINE for 2019–21, as well as a few remaining for both at the Pre-training tea and our board and KRFF. Newsletter designer/editor: Kathryn Morton (‘01) helping to welcome the more than 90 girls trying This is such an exciting time, and you are out for the Rangerettes and their managers. They welcome to join in to help support and grow RANGERETTES FOREVER were each poised and friendly. Excitement in our organization. Happy 80th celebration, OFFICERS: their eyes, which of course grew for everyone in and I hope to see each of you on the field “just Velma McCollum Yount (’76) president the room when Mrs. Blair made the announce- one more time” in October for a reunion and Lisa McCutcheon Walker ment of the upcoming trip to Birmingham, memory-making event. (’86) vice president and England, to perform for the Birmingham Inter- president-elect Regina Hodge Wyatt national Tattoo festival in November. Velma McCollum Yount, ’74–’76, 35th Line (’76) secretary As of March 1, we have our own Kilgore Rangerettes Forever president 2017–19 Nancy Hollabaugh Greer (’78) treasurer KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/ Beverly Rochin Swatzell JAMIE MALDONADO ‘RETTES IN ACTION (’77) past president BOARD OF DIRECTORS: SHOWOFFS: See the 80th Line perform for the Mandy Hamilton-O’Neill (’96) first time and witness the final phase of officer Rebecca Henderson (’89) Mazie Mathews Jamison (’69) tryouts at Show-offs beginning 7:30 p.m. Friday, Audrey Hold Lambert (’88) Aug. 16, in Dodson Auditorium. Reception Pill Harmon Malm (’67) afterward in the Rangerette gymnasium. Mackenzie Oden McCall (’09) Lara Turner Miller (’96) KILGORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES: Tena Royal (’83) The Kilgore College Rangers’ season kicks off 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Kilgore College. RANGERETTES The Homecoming game begins 3 p.m. Saturday, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: www.facebook Oct. 19, and will feature registered Forevers .com/KCRangerettes performing just one more time to celebrate the Twitter: @KCRangerettes Rangerettes’ 80th anniversary. If you missed Instagram: the Aug. 1 registration deadline for the Forever @KCRangerettes Rachel Green, 78th Line, performs at a Tumblr: www.kcrangerettes 2018 Kilgore College football game. performance, come cheer on your fellow Forevers. .tumblr.com Click here for the rest of the KC football schedule. Snapchat: KCRangerettes Rangerettes Forever Facebook page: IN THIS ISSUE: Bits & Boots, PAGE 3 48th Line gives back, PAGE 6 Rangerettes www.facebook.com/ in Italy, PAGE 8 New Rangerettes, PAGE 10 Revels, PAGE 12 Sarah Coker on Rangerettes-Forever- hosting Revels, PAGE 14 Kicks & Cadence, PAGE 16 In loving memory, PAGE 21 682825548571907

2 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2019 Bits & Boots

MINI CAMP MEMORIES Mackenzie Oden McCall, 68th Line, tells a story from her Rangerette years to current Rangerettes during this summer’s mini camps. To volunteer at 2020 camps, visit Rangerette.com/forevers/forevers-contact.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARINA HAAKE JEFFERIS

IN APPRECIATION 66th Line honors classmate with skin-cancer education After classmate Bree Speerin McBride wrote in a Facebook passed away in February from post announcing the project. melanoma, The class created an Amazon the 66th Line wishlist for Forevers who wish is honoring to purchase quality sunscreen their friend for the Rangerette Residence. by providing To contribute sunscreen to sunscreen the project, click here and RANGERETTES FOREVER PHOTO and pro- buy items from the wishlist. SPEERIN The Rangerettes Forever presented an honorary lifetime moting At checkout, select Amazon’s membership to Kilgore College President Dr. Brenda Kays during skin-cancer awareness to prepopulated gift address to Revels 2019. “We appreciate all she is doing at Kilgore College and current Rangerettes. During Gretchen Kotlar. her ongoing impact on the Rangerettes and Rangerette Forevers,” the Rangerettes’ work week in If you check out through Lisa McCutcheon Walker, Forevers vice president, said. From left are Walker, board member Mazie Mathews Jamison, Kays and August, 66th Line members Amazon Smile, which gives a Rangerettes Forever President Velma McCollum Yount. presented information about percentage of your purchase to selecting and applying quality the Kilgore College Founda- $1M GIFT TO SUPPORT RANGERETTES sunscreen and guidance about tion, you can contribute even early skin-cancer detection and more to the Rangerettes. After A Kilgore College graduate gave $1 million to KC to complete a screening. The class plans to placing items in your cart, go permanent operating endowment fund for the Kilgore College repeat the information sessions to Smile.Amazon.com and Rangerettes. He and his wife, a Rangerette Forever, wished to and sunscreen donations annu- complete your purchase. remain anonymous. Click here to read more about the gift. ally, classmate Anna Mattingly PHOTO/INTEGRITY FUNERAL CARE

RANGERETTES FOREVER 3 FOREVER Newsletter Bits & Boots

ONE MORE REMINDER ‘RETTE IN STONE If you haven’t yet paid for your spot on the field for the 80th anniversary Samantha Fink Taveras, 75th Line, performance, send your $80 check or points out her name on a bench engraved with the names of her class money order by Aug. 16 to: members. Commemorative benches Coast2Coast Productions LLC, in Kilgore College’s Mike Miller Plaza P.O. Box 2849, Kilgore, TX 75663 offer an opportunity to honor classes, officer lines and other Forevers. Bench customization requires a single or collective donation of $2,500. For details, contact 903-988-7523 or KICK IN FOR RANGERETTES [email protected]. WHILE YOU SHOP PHOTO COURTESY When you use AMAZON SMILE, a OF SAMANTHA percentage of your total goes toward FINK Rangerette scholarships. Pick Kilgore College TAVERAS Foundation as your charity at www.smile.amazon.com.

USE CODE RANGERETTES to save 10 percent off your order AND donate 10 percent to the Kilgore College Rangerettes Help us protect K-Girl, ‘Rette logo when you purchase clothing and accessories The Rangerette logo and the K-Girl from ElleLain.com. Owner Lauren Williams REPORT VIOLATIONS Oliver is daughter of Sue Davis Williams, image are trademarked property of Contact Kilgore College’s 34th Rangerette Line, and Terry Williams, a Kilgore College. The unauthorized marketing department to report manager for the 33rd and 34th Lines. use of these images is a violation of law. Kilgore College is committed to unauthorized use of the Rang- erette logo or K-Girl image: protecting the image and reputation of the Rangerette organization. Before MANNY ALMANZA, using the Rangerette or K-Girl images KC director of marketing, [email protected] or in any manner, please contact the Kil- 903-983-8623 gore College marketing department. • Do not allow posts on your social-media sites that include un- ing the trademarked images on goods authorized merchandise bearing the or merchandise. trademarked images. —Michael W. Jenkins, DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE • Report to KC Marketing any Kilgore College TO TRAVEL WITH THE TEAM known individuals or companies us- executive vice president Days after returning from the World Bands Challenge in Italy, the Kilgore College Rang- erettes learned they were headed abroad for SHARE NEWS FROM YOUR FOREVER CHAPTER another tattoo — this time the Birmingham We want to know what great works your Forever chapter has International Tattoo in Birmingham, England. accomplished. Share your Rangerettes Forever chapter’s The team will travel to London during the trip announcements with the Rangerettes Forever Newsletter by sending as well, and Forevers are invited on the journey. an email to [email protected]. If possible, include a high-resolution, color photograph and caption information, Click here to view travel details from All World identifying those pictured, from left to right (for small groups). Travel. The first per-person (nonrefundable) We look forward to sharing your news. payment of $1,000 is due Aug. 20.

4 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2019

DUES continued from page 1 those wishing to join before has been received, contact DUES CHANGE the web page is activated or Amber Kinsey in the Kilgore said. “In making this small The Kilgore College who are unable to pay online, College Office of Institutional increase, it will help to build Rangerettes Forever send your $200 check to Advancement at 903-988-7523 now offer a simplified, our account and ultimately Kilgore Rangerettes Forever or [email protected]. single membership help our Rangerettes.” Foundation, 500 S. Rusk St., You can purchase a option: a $200 lifetime The end of annual dues membership that benefits Kilgore, TX 75662. lifetime membership — for will help prevent membership current Rangerettes. Forevers who previously yourself or as a gift — at any lapses, she said. Rangerette.com soon joined on a yearly basis for time. Membership benefits “Folks are busy these will feature an online financial reasons can finance include early access to Revels days; they would just forget payment page. a lifetime membership by tickets and inclusion on the to renew,” she said, pointing developing a payment plan. Rangerettes Forever mailing out that most Forevers pay Changes in payment method Email ForeverFoundation@ list. less overall by contributing also are in the works. Soon gmail.com to begin the process. “By joining, you help a lifetime amount versus Forevers will be able to pay For questions about whether support our organization,” renewing from year to year. online at Rangerette.com. For a recent membership payment Yount said.

RESIDENCE continued from page 1 “I love everything about it,” Betty so many aspects of the organi- Longacre said of the Kilgore College zation, Longacre continues to grandchildren and other family Rangerette Residence, which she learn and discover new facets. members. began managing this summer. “The biggest surprise was Longacre’s duties, for which PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTY LONGACRE that it just fit like a glove,” Lon- she started training months gacre said. “I love everything before her June 1 move-in date, about it. I’m at home here. I include ensuring the 13-year- feel like I understand a lot of old building is secure and different sides of the program, running properly. from being the mother of a “There’s a lot of paperwork Rangerette, the grandmother to it, but (it’s) a lot of fun,” she of a Rangerette and then the said. Her job also entails mak- mother of the assistant director ing sure the Rangerettes’ needs of the Rangerettes. It’s given are met — that they are safe, “The biggest surprise “I did not want to miss me a good view of all of it. comfortable and rested — and was that it just fit like anything,” she said of being The organization is so unique she works to avoid scheduling a glove.” able to “experience a different and so incredible and has conflicts with practices and side of Rangerettes.” Now she’s influenced so many lives of so BETTY LONGACRE other meetings. RANGERETTE RESIDENCE involved in the organization many young women all over Kathryn Heller Zwick, MANAGER from yet another angle. the world. I knew I would be 37th Line, owns Zwick With mini camps, Pre- happy, but I’m elated.” Management, which oversees training and her first freshman She’s looking forward to the residence. She said in a “ … I just thought it would be move-in under her belt, Lon- more firsts — and celebrating Facebook announcement that a good fit for me with knowing gacre said her tenure is “going the Rangerettes’ 80th anniver- she was “proud and excited” to some things about managing great.” sary. introduce the new hire. Zwick properties, which is a big part “We are doing a lot of “I can’t even begin to tell hand-picked the new manager, of this, but, of course, the most maintenance, and we are doing you — the first of everything,” Longacre said. important part (is) the girls a lot of just getting things back she said. “I already have my “In the back of my mind, and making sure that they have into the pristine place it needs first freshman class. I’m very I’ve always kind of thought, everything they need.” to be as far as the building is familiar with the sophomore ‘Wow, wouldn’t that be a great Longacre had moved to Kil- concerned,” she said. “It’s been class. They have been just so job,’” Longacre, who is semi- gore two years ago, when Ryan a very productive summer.” wonderful with me coming in retired from real estate, said. made the team. Despite her familiarity with to welcome me.”

RANGERETTES FOREVER 5 FOREVER Newsletter A gift 30 years in the making

hirty years ago, A MESSAGE happen, take a moment, the 48th Line FROM THE 48TH LINE have gratitude for your time We would also like to sophomores It is an honor to stand here, under this incredible give you something a little T leadership, and who you more personal. We have performed in their final before you today. I’m hum- bled to represent my dear became because of it all. a lucky penny for you and Revels and headed into 48th Line. The real gifts, though, the a personal handwritten the world. They’ve since I’ll bet you don’t realize golden prizes you will walk message from one of our deepened their knowledge that you, beautiful, talented away with: It’s the ladies classmates. The 48th Line ladies, you are standing on who surround you now. wishes you all the luck of friendship, support the shoulders of many wom- Hold on to one another. during your performances. and giving back. To en, who spent hours on this Make the effort. Show Ladies you’ve never met commemorate their stage, and walked miles on up for each other. Show feel a special bond with this campus. I know I didn’t up for the joyful and the you and will be loving you anniversary and to pass understand the concept! It tragic moments. Life will get and cheering you on. Even these lessons to a new didn’t become clear to me busy. Other things will and reliving our own moments generation of Forevers, until I felt my own shoulders should become important, through your performanc- lifting up, supporting, and but nurture these friend- es. We would also like three representatives from loving a new generation. ships. Treasure the history this penny to be a little the class shared a message I was actually surprised at you share. reminder that no donation with Rangerettes backstage the joy I found, when this The privilege of this sis- or gesture is too small. Do began to happen! terhood that you’re now a what you can — but DO! before the Revels matinée The traditions, the disci- part of comes with respon- Oh ladies, but for tonight: this past April. They also pline, tight schedules, and sibility. As you become Hold on tight to each mo- presented $6,000 the class the strict lifestyle — all of the shoulders for future ment. Breathe, listen, even these things have planted Rangerette lines, you, too, hear your own breath and collected as a Rangerette seeds deep in your soul, will discover the new joy of heartbeat — and of those sponsorship. just taking root now. Your supporting this organiza- on stage with you. Soak up tion. Your pride for Ranger- all the applause and know “It’s such a cool thing for Kilgore days will be well behind you, before you ettes will explode. it comes from a place of former ’Rettes to do and so really see these seeds begin I stand before you only as pure love. Treasure it, even helpful,” Dana Blair, Rangerette to bud. When they do — a representative of my 48th the pain. Sophomores, our director, said. oh, and they will — it will Line. Together, we have message to you is: This is Shannon Ingrim Wagner, almost surprise you. Others raised $6,000 to give back not the end! Thirty years Judy Jones Poe and Missy will notice, too. Not just to Rangerettes. We also after our last Revels, we are Roach Sumpter made the your presence and grace, would like to challenge you here to tell you: No this is presentation, during which the way you “lift your head to start a lot younger than not the end! This is only the Wagner read the message and hold it high.” It will we did, so we are present- beginning of your forever! ing you with this donation I would like to end with a she wrote about friendship, even be more than your box, in hopes that you will quote from the genius Please see GIFT on page 7. exceptional manners. The true blossoms of your two bring it to the final tea. As Dr. Seuss: you are being honored and “Sometimes we nev- The Kilgore College Rangerettes years here will be in your and their directors display a grit, your rare work ethic, reflecting back on all you er know the value of a donation box from 48th Line your attention to detail, have received, may you moment until it becomes a representatives before the Revels being prepared, your cour- also start a new class tra- memory.” 2019 matinée. age, and your true heart. dition — of saying “thank God bless you. PHOTO COURTESY When those moments you” by giving back. —Shannon Ingrim Wagner OF SHANNON INGRIM WAGNER

6 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2019 Bits & Boots

East Texas Forevers treated East Texas DINING THROUGH THE DECADES Rangerettes to dinner at Val's Italian Restaurant & Pizza in Kilgore in March. Forevers from the 1940s to 2000s attended, including 94-year-old Louise Dickson Sims, a sophomore Rangerette in the 1941–42 year. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTHA HALE DEAN

GIFT continued from page 6 Freshman Rangerettes maturity and philanthropy (See “A message from the available for adoption 48th Line,” page 6.) The 48th Line members presented each Here’s what you need to know about the 2019–20 Adopted Rangerette with a lucky penny program, which matches Forevers with active members of the and note, and they gave the Kilgore College Rangerettes line: team a donation box with the • You MUST email all requests HAS YOUR BOND challenge to start their own to [email protected]. GONE BEYOND? habit of giving. If you do not email, you will not Has your Forever- Classmate Karla Jo Helms, PHOTO COURTESY receive information on a current OF SHANNON INGRIM WAGNER adoptee relationship owner and founder of Florida- or new Rangerette. lasted well beyond based PR firm JoToPR, was a The 48th Line presented current Rangerettes with a penny as a • If your adopted Rangerette the adoptee’s time in driving force on the fundrais- reminder that no donation or from the 2018–19 year is now uniform? We’d love ing campaign, Wagner said. gesture is too small. a sophomore, she remains your to hear about it at A private Facebook page and adopted for the 2019–20 year. RetteForeverNews@ email blasts were critical in the gmail.com. “Start (fundraising) You do NOT need to email if you campaign, she added. intend to keep your sophomore early. Have a firm “The best advice I have for Rangerette. This does not mean that you cannot adopt a new future class’ fundraising efforts deadline.” 80th Line member as well. would be to start early,” Wag- SHANNON INGRIM • Most likely, more than one Forever will be assigned to ner, who launched the cam- WAGNER your Rangerette. You are not obligated to collaborate on gifts, 48TH LINE paign in June and concluded communication, etc. it the week before Revels, said. • While there are no requirements for your level of interac- “Have a firm deadline.” $999) and extend to Gussie tion with your adopted Rangerette, this is still a commitment. Any class, group or individ- Nell Davis ($20,000+), but all Once you adopt, find a communication channel that works ual can become a Revels spon- donations are appreciated. best for you, and follow through with that all year. These sor, and it’s never too early to Contact shelleywayne@ amazing young women are hungry for guidance and mentor- begin planning your financial rangerette.com or visit ship throughout their time as Rangerettes, and your desire to support for the Kilgore College Rangerette.com and click the develop and keep a relationship with them brings great joy. Rangerettes’ spring production. About tab then Sponsorship for Email [email protected] with any questions you Levels begin at Manager ($500- details. may have.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 7 FOREVER Newsletter

Un viaggio memorabile ITALIAN ADVENTURE WAS ‘TRIP OF A LIFETIME’ FOR RANGERETTES or the 79th Line and the 78th Line officers, the trip F to Italy this summer truly reemphasized the “world famous” in “World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes.” This trip of a lifetime was our class’ first exposure to international traveling (But not to be our last. Yea, England!), and, to speak on behalf of my class, it was nothing short of an honor to represent the red, white and blue on foreign soil. REAGAN WELLS Our days in Italy RANGERETTE PHOTOS 79TH LINE were a rotation of TOP OF PAGE: A few members of the 79th Line assemble before their performance in the practices, performances and getting to Ferrari Museum in Modena. ABOVE: The 78th Line officers at the Ferrari Museum are, from left, Lt. Haley Carlile, explore beautiful cities rich in historic Lt. Sara Aguillard, Capt. Cierra Birmingham, Lt. Kelsey Little and Lt. Ryan Wayne. Click here Please see more VIAGGIO on page 9. to watch Birmingham’s vlog of the trip.

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VIAGGIO continued from page 8 architecture and culture. Our performance schedule included dancing at the disco TOP: The Kilgore club Pattaya, a fun restaurant College Rangerettes’ we would frequent throughout trip to Italy included a the week, an opening-ceremo- visit to Florence. nies celebration at the Ferrari CENTER: The 79th Line spends some Museum in Modena, a guest time with their new performance in Quando la Ukrainian drummer Banda Passo, and being the friends. They also halftime entertainment for the befriended groups from the Netherlands 2019 Italian American Foot- and Thailand. ball League bowl in Milan. BOTTOM: Reagan My personal favorite of the Wells feeds the birds performances was the latter; it outside the Duomo in was an amazing experience to Milan. do what Rangerettes do best PHOTOS COURTESY on a football field 5,000 miles OF REAGAN WELLS away from Kilgore. However, participating in the band festi- val was also very cool because we got the chance to talk to and become friends with groups from Ukraine, the Netherlands and Thailand. While each per- formance was unique, the one similarity experienced across the board was the awe in each audience that was inspired by the iconic uniformity of our “ ... The Italy trip organization. It was a very real reminder of how special Rang- truly brought us closer erettes is and how special each together and opened of us is who gets to see it from our eyes to just how the inside. lucky we are!” When we weren’t perform- REAGAN WELLS ing or relaxing at our beautiful 79TH LINE hotel (The Rangerettes were extremely lucky to stay at the Hotel Tre Torri, which provid- day was in Milan because the ed us with the most amazing city is absolutely beautiful but breakfast and cappuccinos each also booming with activity; it morning as well as top-notch reminded me a lot of New York service.), we were able to City. There were many different explore the cities of Modena, languages and cultures coming and enriching life experience be forgotten by myself or by Milan and Florence. Many of together in one place, and it to have. It had always been a our class; the Italy trip truly us shopped, visited museums, seemed at every turn there was dream of mine to travel abroad, brought us closer together and ate delicious food or simply a new street artist or musician, and I know the experiences opened our eyes to just how went sightseeing. My favorite which was such an eye-opening gained on this trip will never lucky we are!

RANGERETTES FOREVER 9 FOREVER Newsletter

Sophomore Rangerettes capture reactions as the sign bearing numbers of new freshmen falls from the rafters above them. KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/JAMIE MALDONADO

EIGHTY, IT’S YOU

TEXARKANA After a week of kicking, dancing and smiling, 34 Hopefuls earned spots on

DALLAS FORT the 80th Line of the Kilgore College WORTH LONGVIEW TYLER Rangerettes. This year’s team hails from

KILGORE across Texas — with two from out of state.

Lindale Click here to view an FRESHMAN RANGERETTES : Lainey Goodson interactive version McKinney: Rachel Bowsher, of this map. Austin: Trinity Vogel Grace Gatewood and Bridge City: Macie Moore Brook Naulty Carrollton: Alexis Moisan Mesquite: Ariana Hickman Cedar Park: Claire Hodges Midlothian: Kali Rochford COLLEGE STATION College Station: Nacogdoches: Maggie Ethington

AUSTIN Natalie Lancaster Nederland: Ashlyn LeBaron BEAUMONT Corpus Christi: Maribel Sauceda and Maggie Smith Cypress: Hannah Moss and New Braunfels: Emilie Grieve HOUSTON Bailey Stark Plano: Scarlet Walls Dallas: Julia Sincovec Round Rock: Ani Ferrell, TEXAS Deer Park: Alexa Ramos Jolie Ferrell, Kayla House and Flower Mound: Amanda Moreland Sydney Whittington Springdale, Ark.: Frisco: Abigail Evans Caroline Rhodes ARKANSAS Georgetown: Cassidy Fairchild Texarkana: Catherine Wright Haslet: Shyanne Prevett The Woodlands: Macy Belk Katy: Shelby Dupont Whitehouse: Elisabeth Eckles

CORPUS CHRISTI IN THE NEWS AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Click here to read about tryouts in the Kilgore News Herald and click OKLAHOMA here to watch coverage of tryouts on KLTV. Click here to read about Sign Drop in the News Herald and click here for the Longview News-Journal’s article. Click here to view photos from Pre-training and click here for Sign 79th Line Rangerette 80th Line Rangerette Drop on the Kilgore College Flickr page. SAN JUAN Click here to view Sign Drop images by Frozen in Time Photography.

10 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2019

CLOCKWISE Aren’t these freshmen FROM TOP LEFT: precious? Find out The 80th Line how to adopt one assembles for one of on page 7. its first class photos below the sign that announced the new members. Sophomore Alyssa Gray, left, and freshman Scarlet Walls of Plano point to Walls’ tryout number. Sophomore Reagan Wells hugs freshman Maggie Smith of Nederland. Both of them tried out for the team with No. 47. Freshman Catherine Wright of Texarkana points to the sign with her sister, Haleigh Kate Wright Franck, 72nd Line.

KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTOS/ JAMIE MALDONADO

RANGERETTES FOREVER 11 FOREVER Newsletter

A look back at Revels evels performances are an experience for the senses: The pulse R of the music, the distinctive scent of air conditioning and blue velvet seats, the prickle of goosebumps when the first patriotic uniforms burst onto the stage. And the sights: a rainbow of sparkle, light, grace and athleticism. This year’s Kilgore College Rangerette Revels focused on vision — as a sense, as a creative power and as anticipation for the future — in “More than Meets the Eye” during its April 10–13 run. In two acts, “Eyes Wide Open” and “2020 Vision,” the Rangerettes explored choreography from hip hop to ballet, looking back on traditions and forward to anniversaries and events taking place in 2020, including the 80th year of the Ran- gerette organization. The Rangerette Extravaganza high kick, performed in their traditional red, white and blue uniforms, concluded the show. Sarah Coker, 64th Line, hosted the program. Read more about her involvement on page 14. At a reception in the Deana Bolton Covin Ran- gerette Gym between Saturday shows, Forevers, friends and family mingled and had the oppor- tunity to shop at vendors who gave a percentage back to the Rangerettes. A silent auction raised money for the organization as well. Sophomore Kaitlyn Harvey performs Click here to read the Revels in “Eye Opener,” the opening number, edition of The Flare, Kilgore choreographed by Kali Boyd, 65th Line. College’s student newspaper. Click here to view additional Revels The issue included articles photos on Kilgore College’s Flickr page. about Revels performers as well as Forevers. KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/ JAMIE MALDONADO

12 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2019

Left: Rangerettes lift Sophomore Lexie Kieschnick in “Look For the Light,” choreographed by Angela Falcone Aulds, 68th Line, and her sister, Alyssa Falcone Goza, 70th Line. Below: Sophomore Kelsey Little dons a sparkling headpiece in the final moments of “You Should See Me in a Crown,” choreographed by Maryelle Stephenson, 75th Line, and Ashley Miller.

Left: Haley Carlile and her fellow sophomores pay tribute to Queen in “Don’t Stop Us Now,” choreographed by Angela Falcone Aulds, 68th Line, and Rangerettes Assistant Director and Choreographer Shelley Wayne. Above: Sophomore Ryan Wayne performs her solo, “Right Before Your Very Eyes.” KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTOS/JAMIE MALDONADO

RANGERETTES FOREVER 13 FOREVER Newsletter

More than talent Forever Sarah Coker talks Revels practice (lots of practice) and what she learned hosting the show

arah Coker had never thought about hosting Revels. S“It was the dream gig I never knew I wanted,” she said. “ ... But when Mrs. Blair approached me about it, I felt like I’d made the team all over again.” She prayed it would work out with her work schedule. It did, and the bespectacled Forever led audiences through five productions of “More Than Meets the Eye” in the auditorium where she’d performed more than a decade before as a member of the 64th Line. Please see more TALENT on page 15. Host Sarah Coker shares the contents of her planner with Revels audience members. The year ahead includes celebrating the Rangerettes’ 80th anniversary. KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/JAMIE MALDONADO

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TALENT continued from page 14

She shared her perspective of the Revels process, what it was like being back in Kilgore again and what she’ll take with her now that she’s kicked off her glittery heels.

WHAT SORT OF PREPARATION AND REHEARSAL DID YOU DO LEADING UP TO THE SHOW? I started working on the script with Mrs. Blair in January. I’m a freelance writer Sarah Coker, 64th Line, tries on glasses, including a pair that channeled Kilgore and a little Type A, so if she’d hired me in College Rangerettes founder Miss Gussie August, I would have started then, haha. Nell Davis, on screen, during Revels. We’d write a little, get the famous Missy KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/ Review™️, edit, keep writing, run it by her JAMIE MALDONADO again, etc. I recorded and re-recorded versions of me reading the script as year-old. The girls seemed interested in my and hearing Mrs. Wayne counting for sincerely as I could so that Mrs. Blair and tidbits, so I’d toss them a story here and the girls. Shivers down my SPINE, I could pick at it. I sent private YouTube there. Mainly I just loved staying up until 3 y’all. Trying not to fall in the pit while links and edits weekly. I think we both a.m. listening to THEIR stories out in the I basically play a character version of (and Mrs. Wayne, too) just wanted it to feel hall of Davis, just myself who wears heels. I don’t wear authentic and sound like stuff I would say, like we used to OFFSTAGE heels. Hearing the announcer’s voice not like I had memorized lines. I traveled do. Some things When she’s not welcome people to Revels on opening to Kilgore three weekends throughout this have changed — hosting Revels, night. Standing backstage watching the whole experience and rehearsed for hours, but also nothing’s Sarah Coker sophs pull the fresh in for fight song on not leaving ANYTHING vague. As with changed. I just is a recruiter Saturday night and knowing it’s over — everything in ’Rettes, you practice every savored getting for Google not just for me but for these new sisters little thing. And in the end, once I’d pared to hear them in Austin. On I made on 78 — that was hands down Instagram, she down the script to one that would work tell stories about the most challenging part. I wept and thrifts/sells (and some of that happened the night kicking fight mourned the end with them and it felt vintage clothes before opening), I memorized it and didn’t song or doing @cozy_quirky like it was over all over again for me. It deviate much. I also spray tanned. A lot. sister reveal night and encourages honestly took me a bit to recover because or giving back people to I felt so much for them. WHAT EMOTIONS AND color privilege take care of THOUGHTS DID YOU EXPERIENCE or representing themselves WHAT HAVE YOU TAKEN WITH THE WEEK OF THE SHOW AND Texas and @sarah_coker_ YOU FROM THIS EXPERIENCE? DURING PERFORMANCES? America at health_coach. If you want a performance to impress Honestly I lived vicariously through the Macy’s or other people, you have to practice until every Rangerettes — the sophs, mainly. The events. I loved getting to see these girls feel aspect from lights to music to spacing to show and the experience is about THEM. the pride I felt and still feel. It was great the dancing itself is perfect. Mrs. Wayne Sure, I had a big part in the show and I to be in it with them and know that Miss once said something to the effect that took it extremely seriously because I take Davis’ vision lives on — and it’s captured watching the Rangerettes perform might Rangerettes and their reputation seriously on much better cameras now! be the closest thing to perfection she’s ever — but it wasn’t about me. I was the jokes in seen in a broken world where perfection between the good stuff people paid money WHAT WAS THE MOST doesn’t exist. What I took away from this for. I talked about this during the show, but CHALLENGING PART OF experience is a reminder that you don’t get every single thing in that town reminded HOSTING REVELS? that by just being talented. Everybody’s me of my time there. I was on vacation Everything about it was a challenge, but talented. You practice, occasionally with from work, essentially, just reliving the here’s the juicy, terrifying stuff: Walking monotony, until talent is unified among 70 best two years of my life as an almost-35- into Dodson for that first rehearsal people. Then it’s breathtaking.

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Sophomores perform the jazz. PHOTO/MICHELLE CAMPBELL Kicks & Cadence Tales from the continued adventures of Forevers and supporters

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SOUTHWEST DAIRY FARMERS

SDF’s region, which comprises Texas, New SDF is in its eighth year of sponsoring DAIRY DOUBLE TAKE Mexico, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, the Kilgore College Rangerettes, who If the smiling faces you’ve seen on Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. have appeared at events, on posters, on Southwest Dairy Farmers billboards this While they are not pictured in uniform in murals, in advertising campaigns and in year look familiar, it’s because they’re this series, the duo caught SDF’s attention an exercise video for the alliance of dairy ANA, left, and DIANA ESPINOSA, 77th when they were part of a Rangerette farmers. Line. The Espinosas’ campaign appears in campaign filmed at Kilgore College. “We’re delighted to be with (the videos and web advertising and on about 25 “They’ve just got a good, fresh, whole- Rangerettes),” Hill said. He added that he billboards in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, some look,” Jim Hill, Southwest Dairy expects the partnership to continue “until Houston and El Paso and elsewhere in Farmers CEO and general manager said. they run us off.”

BEVERLY ROCHIN SWATZELL, 36th Line, started Swatzell+Heilig, a line of handbags, with her daughter. Learn more about the USA-made bags crafted from Italian leather and hand-woven raffia PHOTO COURTESY OF KELCI BJORNLIE straw at www. KELCI BJORNLIE, 74th Line, left, is the new assistant director SHHandbags.com. of the Kittens at Temple High School in Temple. LESLY POWELL, 72nd Line, right, is the dance team’s director.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEVERLY SWATZELL Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 17.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER NIX MCMANUS

JENNIFER NIX MCMANUS, 61st Line, center, opened Party Princess Productions - Dallas with her husband. Learn more at https://dallas. partyprincessproductions.com.

LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL/MICHAEL CAVAZOS

The Longview News-Journal’s Charm Magazine profiled TINA CUELLAR GRIDER LYON, 43rd Line, who is teaching her third generation of dancers in her Longview studio. Click here to read the article.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN GORHAM ROBB

The Rev. SUSAN GORHAM ROBB, 36th Line, ERIN CUMMINGS, will be the new pastor of Highland Park United

56th Line, portrayed OF ERIN CUMMINGS PHOTO COURTESY Methodist Church’s Cox Chapel service starting PHOTO COURTESY OF NIKI BLASKE GROCE PHOTO COURTESY ERIN HARGOVE Marine Major Ellen Sunday, Sept. 1. Robb is senior associate minister PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN HARGOVE BOYER PHOTO COURTESY NIKI BLASKE BOYER, 59th Line, is Wallace in an episode with the church and author of “Called: Hearing GROCE, 47th Line, the new director of the of “NCIS” in April. She and Responding to God’s Voice.” Book clubs, is the new executive Emerald Dazzlers and played a former fiancée small groups, Bible studies and Sunday-morning director of the dance teacher at Azle of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, classes are using the publication. Click here to Longview Symphony. High School in Azle. the head of the NCIS read more about her new duties. Click here to Click here to read She also is the new team, and her character listen to her episode as a guest on Episode 63 of more about her new director of Azle Youth is found dead with The Enneagram Journey podcast. position in a Longview Sports’ Junior Dazzlers Gibb’s blood on her News-Journal article. drill team. uniform. Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 18.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TORI BOAZE PHOTO COURTESY MADISON CASHION, 76th OF SARAH COKER PHOTO COURTESY

ERIN WINTER Line, is the new OF MADISON CASHION PHOTO COURTESY

TORI BOAZE, 73rd CAMPBELL, 61st OF ERIN WINTER CAMPBELL PHOTO COURTESY assistant director of the SARAH COKER, 64th CASSIE ROWLAND

Line, started as a Line, is the new Sapphires dance team Line, is working in DYSON, 70th Line, is OF CASSIE ROWLAND DYSON PHOTO COURTESY sales specialist at associate principal and a dance educator recruiting as a sourcer the new performance Betenbough Homes in at Westwood High at Seven Lakes High for software engineers team director at Allen Midland. School. School in Katy. at Google in Austin. Dance Studio in Allen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKE LUNA PHOTO COURTESY JEN GRAY JACLYN WEAVER CORTNEY GELPI MORROW, 60th SMITH, 62nd Line, EMILY FOSTER PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY FOSTER VEGA OF EMILY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF JEN GRAY MORROW OF JEN GRAY PHOTO COURTESY

HARDAWAY, 74th BROOKE LUNA, Line, is the new head will teach motor lab SMITH WEAVER OF JACLYN PHOTO COURTESY VEGA, 59th Line, is a Line, is convention- 75th Line, is the new director of the Escorts (prekindergarten new fourth-grade PHOTO COURTESY OF CORTNEY GELPI HARDAWAY OF CORTNEY PHOTO COURTESY services manager head director of the drill team and a dance physical education) this dual-language at Four Points by Bandoleras at Berkner teacher at Deer Park coming school year at instructor at Alexander Sheraton Manhattan in High School in High School in Deer Dobie Pre-K School in Elementary School in Manhattan, Kansas. Richardson. Park. Dallas. Houston.

KXAN profiled JAMIE MARISSA WEBER, 74th SHIVES WALLACE- Line, is the new dance GRINER, 59th Line, and teacher and Stars director her nonprofit animal rescue, at West Brook High School Safe in Austin. Click here to in Beaumont. watch the piece. Click here PHOTO COURTESY to watch more coverage, on OF MARISSA WEBER CBS Austin. Learn more at Please see more Safeinaustin.org. Kicks & Cadence on page 19.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKE BEAUCHAMP WILSON

Rain on Saturday of Revels only made the matinée since we are the ‘rain class,’” reminisced. ‘It was so precious how it felt the 58TH LINE’s 20-year union sweeter. 58th Line member Brooke Beauchamp like no time had passed at all,” Wilson said. “It was such a magical weekend, and we Wilson said. The class gathered at High “We all said how lucky we were to be a part thought it was pretty fitting that it was Hill Farm in Tyler, where they watched of the Rangerette organization that held raining when we all pulled into Kilgore for their Revels, looked at scrapbooks and such amazing friendships and memories.”

LISA KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PHOTO/ MCCUTCHEON STEVE SANDERS WALKER, 45th Line, ALLISON NICOLE EIGSTI, is a new national real 76th Line, is a field rookie estate manager with with the Kansas City Chiefs ARIZONA CARDINALS PHOTO

McDonald’s. OF LISA MCCUTCHEON WALKER PHOTO COURTESY Cheerleaders. ASHLEY CUPPLES, 71st PHOTO COURTESY Line, is a fourth-year Arizona SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES AND MILESTONES! OF JACKIE GARZA Cardinals Cheerleader and Don’t be shy! We want to hear about your exciting new JACKIE GARZA, 71st line, captain of the team. She is jobs, promotions and achievements. Email your news to is a Houston Rockets Power a certified speech-language [email protected]. Include a high-resolution, Dancer for a third year. pathologist. color photo and caption information. Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 20.

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Lauren Gibler, 68TH LINE, hosted her class’ 10-year reunion at her mother, Kathryn Heller Zwick’s, house in Kilgore. The class watched their Revels DVDs, ate Tex-Mex (their class favorite) and caught up. “It was absolutely amazing to see how close we are 10 years later,” Gibler said. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN GIBLER

The 48TH LINE commemorated its 30-year reunion with a trip to Kiepersol, a food, wine and spirits destination in Tyler, during Revels week. Classmates arrived Friday for wine- and appetizers-tasting. The class shared meals and invited their freshmen and sophomores to a happy hour on Saturday. They also attended the Revels matinée and reception together, and some visited the Rangerette Showcase and Museum. “Several girls in our class had never returned to Kilgore in 30 years, so it was so exciting for them,” classmate Shannon Ingrim Wagner said. Read more about the class’ reunion activities and Revels donation on page 6. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANNON INGRIM WAGNER

Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 21.

SHOW YOUR PRIDE WHEN YOU DRIVE Order at www.MyPlates. com/Personalized/PLPC179 Does your Texas vehicle removes specialty plates or call 888-769-7528. still lack a Kilgore College from its inventory if an If your plate has expired Rangerette license plate? organization does not meet and you decide not to renew Know someone whose car the required 200 registered it, consider donating it to the needs one? Don’t hesitate to plate minimum, according to Plates start as low as $35 Rangerette Residence. Drop purchase a plate or extend the website. Your plate helps a year for a five-year plan your plate at the residence the term of your existing one. keep the Rangerette design with randomly generated or send it to 819 Nolen St., MyPlates.com sometimes on the road. letter/number combinations. Kilgore, TX 75662.

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Kicks & Cadence In loving CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 memory:

LETA SUE YATES Ashley Atwood on the FULLER, 20th set of “The Poison Rose” with John Line, passed away in Travolta and February. Click here to her son. read her obituary. PHOTO COURTESY SHIRLEY JEANNE OF ASHLEY ATWOOD BRANSON STURROCK, 14th Line, passed away in April. Click here to view her obituary.

ANNE PRICE GASSAWAY, Eighth Line, passed away in April. Click here to view her obituary

LOU ANN MACKEY ASHLEY (MARTIN) ATWOOD, 61st Line, MELTON, Fourth Line, filmed the role of Jessie Winston in Western passed away in May. PHOTO/JEFF MCMORROUGH thriller “Hell on the Border.” The film is slated Click here to read her to be released in 2019. She played Nurse Melissa obituary. MICHELLE MAYO, 69th Line, performed as in “The Poison Rose,” starring John Travolta and Teresita in “West Side Story” with A.D. Players at Morgan Freeman. She self-produced and starred KATHY SIMMONS the George Theater this summer in Houston. in the series “Wild Wild Yogis.” ROBINSON, 33rd Line, passed away in June. Click here to read her obituary.

GLENN EDWARD WELLS, Kilgore College’s band director from 2011 to 2018, passed away in June. Click here to read his obituary.

KIERSTIN DORNAK, 75th EMMA NELL Line, left, is the new assistant COPPEDGE director of the Gold Dusters FREEDMAN, 13th dance team at Jersey Village Line, passed away in High School in the Houston KILGORE NEWS HERALD PHOTO/JAMES DRAPER July. Click here to read metropolitan area. RYAN The Kilgore News Herald profiled VICTOR OLOWO, the her obituary. GARCIA, 68th Line, directs Rangerettes’ trainer and fitness coach. Click here to read the article the team. about Olowo, a new naturalized citizen originally from Nigeria.

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