Rangerettes Forever Newsletter of How He Said

FOREVER KILGORE COLLEGE RANGERETTES NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2020 Twists & turns AFTER PANDEMIC CUTS YEAR SHORT, THE RANGERETTES ARE BACK HOME AND READY TO FACE CHALLENGES

or decades, the annual Revels F production was part of every Kilgore College Rangerette’s spring semester.

Forevers knew they could come home The smile sign in Dodson to East Texas every azalea season to see Auditorium did not illuminate during the their legacy onstage and to reminisce with production number friends. Football games may be canceled of Revels this year. The Kilgore College because of rain. Trips may vary from year to Rangerettes’ annual year. But there was always, always Revels. spring 2020 production Enter COVID-19. was canceled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see more TWISTS on page 3. KILGORE COLLEGE PHOTO/ JAMIE MALDONADO

Coming to Show-offs? Help keep ‘Rettes — and yourself — safe

Show-offs is slated for 8 p.m. Saturday, and bathrooms are off limits to guests. LIVE FROM KILGORE, Aug. 29, at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadi- IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT um, and the Kilgore College Rangerettes SENDING GIFTS Show-offs will be livestreamed are enforcing the following precautions on the Rangerettes’ Facebook page. Sending gifts to the residence? Large for the health and safety of the team and Click here for the page, and click packages, cookie/flower deliveries, etc. audience. Remember the directors’ rules here to view the program. are allowed. The residence address is 819 you followed? We’ve got this: Nolen St., Kilgore, TX 75662. Any letters to drop off gifts — one or two people at or regular mail should be sent to student’s IN THE RESIDENCE a time — starting 9 a.m. Saturday. All Kilgore College mailbox: Rangerette name, • Visitors are only allowed in the Gussie visitors must wear face masks. Nell Davis Rangerette Residence entryway • The residence living area, kitchenette Please see more SHOW-OFFS on page 3. FOREVER Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT RANGERETTES FOREVER PUBLISHES THIS A year of change and skillful adaptation NEWSLETTER FOR OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF RANGERETTES. ello, Forevers! The resilience of the Rangerettes Please send any physical H Despite the changes in the world right and the heightened commitment now, the Rangerette organization is flourishing. address changes or email from the Forevers have been address changes to the It is simply amazing that the leaders of Kilgore Kilgore College College and the Rangerettes were able to keep exemplary. Alumni Association at [email protected]. Please everyone safe and proceed with selecting the include your full name and beauty and talent that is the 81st Line! I know maiden name, if applicable, I speak for all the Forevers Forever organization was the 80th Home- associated with your college record to ensure a proper when I say how proud we all coming event, in October 2019. More than match of the information. We are of the way that the tra- 300 alumni came back to Kilgore to dance at do not distribute or sell our ditions were honored while halftime with their Rangerette sisters spanning alumni data, including emails, to any outside organizations. keeping everyone safe. eight decades. Send news tips to It has been an exciting In addition to all of that, we are looking [email protected] time for the Rangerettes For- forward to our 501(c)3 being officially granted Newsletter designer/editor: ever as well. LISA so that we can offer a tax-advantaged vehicle for Kathryn Morton (‘01) MCCUTCHEON • We successfully raised alumni giving. WALKER and matched your donations Around the world, 2020 will long be remem- RANGERETTES FOREVER 45TH LINE OFFICERS: to provide more than $26,000 bered as a year of unexpected change and skillful Lisa McCutcheon Walker toward the debt of the 79th and 80th lines that adaptation. The resilience of the Rangerettes and (’86) president had their year cut short. the heightened commitment from the Forevers Laura Barnett Davis (’77) president-elect • We funded $30,000 to increase the principle have been exemplary. Patty Verhetsel Harris of many of the already established Rangerettes I could not be any prouder of our efforts, and (’76) secretary Audrey Hold Lambert Forever scholarships. I thank you again for the honor of serving and (’88) treasurer • We launched a higher level of membership representing you this unforgettable year. Velma McCollum Yount at the request of many Forevers looking to give I love you all. (’76) past president back — the PLATINUM LEVEL! BOARD OF DIRECTORS: • We fulfilled supply requests for the Ranger- Lisa McCutcheon Walker, Lisa Fortenberry (’85) ette office via an Amazon wish list. 45th Line, Mandy Hamilton-O’Neill (’96) Kacie Stanfield Hawkins (’14) • But the greatest fundraiser to date for the Rangerettes Forever president 2019–20 Nancy Hollabaugh Greer (’78) Marina Haake Jefferis (’77) Tena Royal (’83) Jennifer Jordy Woods (’84) #FRONTLINEFOREVERS HONORS ALUMNAE SERVING COMMUNITIES Regina Hodge Wyatt (’76)

As the coronavirus pandemic intensified, the Rangerettes RANGERETTES Forever honored their members who serve on the front lines ON SOCIAL MEDIA: of the crisis in a series of social-media posts. Frontline Facebook: www.facebook Forevers ranged from healthcare workers to food- .com/KCRangerettes Twitter: @KCRangerettes bank managers to flight attendants. Click here Instagram: to view the posts. (You’ll need to scroll past a few @KCRangerettes posts from folks who use #FrontlineForever in Rangerettes Forever non-Rangerette contexts.) Facebook group: PHOTO/PEXELS www.Facebook.com/groups/ 136110299740387

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Bits & Boots, PAGE 4 Swingsters, PAGE 9 New Rangerettes, PAGE 10 Rangerette adoption, PAG E 11 Winter and spring performances, PAGE 12 England trip, PAGE 15 Unbroken bond, PAGE 18 Kicks & Cadence, PAGE 20 In loving memory, PAGE 21 79th Line plans, PAGE 26

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TWISTS continued from page 1 incurred for the canceled and spending limited, socially for safety guidelines). show. Our board of directors distanced time on campus. As for the fall, KC’s football For their health and safety, launched a campaign to con- Prior to the July auditions, season was postponed to 2021. Rangerettes did not return to tribute to travel, uniform and the Rangerettes posted an Am- “We’ll be pretty much prac- campus after Spring Break, and other expenses azon wish list of ticing for both (halftime and after a period of hopefulness, of 79th and 80th COMING HOME cleaning and hy- Revels),” Blair told the Kilgore the global pandemic forced the Line Rangerettes, Click here to giene items to help News Herald (Click here to cancellation of productions calling on Forev- watch a video make Pre-training read the full article.). “But as from Broadway to Nolen Street. ers to donate $79. about the ‘Rette as safe as possible. far as this time, we won’t be “We all know that this is The “$79 for 79” return to campus. “The Amazon rushed. We don’t have it all just a small thing compared collection net- wish list campaign worked out, but more than any- to the suffering that is going ted $13,100, which the board was a huge success, with ev- thing, we would love for them on in the world right now,” matched for a total of $26,200. erything but the back-ordered to have as normal of a year as Director Dana Blair wrote in a “Our goal was $25,000, and items being purchased in about possible. We’re proceeding like post shared on the Rangerettes’ we are thrilled,” Forevers Presi- a week’s time,” Walker said. there will be a Christmas show.” Facebook page. “We know that dent Lisa McCutcheon Walker, Sign Drop still took place there are so many facing such 45th Line, said. in Dodson Auditorium, but JUST KEEP GIVING difficult situations and that our During what would have Hopefuls spaced out in the As a new school year of un- healthcare workers are putting been Revels week, Forevers audience saw their numbers on certainty unfolds, Forevers can themselves in danger every day. united on social media to sup- a projected sign. Click here to continue to support the young There are far more important port for the team whose year watch a video about this year’s women who have dealt with things than a variety show in was unexpectedly cut short. Pre-training, and see page 10 crushing setbacks with grace. our small town. But this is still for a list of new Rangerettes. “We have also disbursed hard and it is still a loss. I do PANDEMIC WEARS ON Once the new team was $30,000 from Forever funds believe that God is up to some- As COVID-19 cases persist- selected safely, 79th Line mem- to go toward the principle of thing good because He always ed and grew, other Rangerette bers ventured back to campus Rangerettes Forever funded is ... even when we can’t see it.” activities and traditions had to to join their freshmen for a scholarships,” Walker said. Click here to read her com- evolve or be scrapped. After socially distanced final tea. Forevers can contribute to plete post. rescheduling and revamping, existing scholarships through summer camps eventually were STRANGE NEW YEAR Kilgore College Foundation. LEAPING INTO ACTION canceled. The Rangerettes returned to You can also click here to give In the wake of disappoint- Pre-training plans saw campus this month to prepare to the Kilgore Rangerettes ment and heartache, Forevers revision after revision as well. for Show-offs, with social-dis- Forever Foundation. leapt into action. Forevers What for years has been a tancing measures still in place. To offer moral support to opted to forego Revels ticket weeklong tryout process was Show-offs is slated for 8 p.m. current Rangerettes, it’s never and advertising refunds to help compressed into a few days, Saturday, Aug. 29, at R.E. St. too late to adopt an active defray the cost of costumes with Hopefuls submitting por- John Memorial Stadium (see line member. See page 11 for and other expenses already tions of their audition online “Coming to Show-offs?” page 1 details.

SHOW-OFFS continued from page 1 • The Rangerettes will not be sides of the stadium. (50% at permitted to leave the stadium SHOW-OFFS AND the stadium is roughly three THE SHOWCASE 1100 Broadway, KC Box (your until all other patrons have left. times the capacity of Dodson Hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Rangerette’s box number), • There WILL NOT be the Auditorium, so space shouldn’t Saturday, Aug. 29 Kilgore, TX 75662. traditional sister line or officer be an issue.) Masks: Required group pictures. Capacity: 20 people • Reserved seating is ONLY AT THE STADIUM • The event will be live- Distance: Follow CDC for the 79th Line and families • The Rangerettes will be streamed on Facebook through recommendations. of current Rangerettes. on the field for the entirety of the official Rangerettes page. • Please distance between Show-offs. Guests and visitors • Masks are required for • Seating will be at 50% families while sitting in the ARE NOT allowed on the field. ALL spectators. capacity and available on both stands.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 3 FOREVER Newsletter Bits & Boots Buy online, but stop in for nostalgia SHOWCASE DEBUTS WEB STORE, OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE

Good news for your Ranger- wrote in a Facebook post that ette collection: The Rangerette KNH reprinted. “We spoke of Showcase and Museum’s new Miss Davis and her life lessons; online store is ready for your the lessons that she learned shopping spree. Click here to from her mother because of order new garments and acces- the Rangerettes. ‘Stand up sories, and you’ll recognize the straight. Show your personality. product models as recent and Smile!’ Lessons of kindness future Rangerettes. and preparation, timeliness Of course, you’re always wel- and poise. These lessons are come in the Showcase to make woven throughout its 80 years. in-person purchases and share It made me proud to hear her your Rangerette stories. The Kil- speak of the ‘fruit of labor’ that gore News Herald this month we all know.” published reflections from Click here to read the Megan DeHoyos, showcase column. director and 66th Line, about You can help maintain our interactions she’s had with For- meeting place and home of so evers’ family members, includ- much Rangerette history by ing a recent connection with a contributing to the Showcase daughter of a 1940s ’Rette. Preservation Fund. Contact “ ... One can never really DeHoyos at 903-983-8265 or PHOTO/RANGERETTE SHOWCASE AND MUSEUM 79th Line members Rachel Clower, left, and Kelee Norris model a new gauge the unique days with email [email protected] T-shirt available from the Rangerette Showcase and Museum. this organization,” DeHoyos for more information.

Sun-safety efforts honor 66th Line member KICK IN FOR YOU CAN HELP BY PURCHASING early skin-cancer detection and screening. RANGERETTES QUALITY SUNSCREEN The class created an Amazon wish list for FOR CURRENT TEAM Forevers who wish to purchase quality sun- WHILE YOU After classmate Bree screen for the Gussie Nell Davis Rangerette SHOP ONLINE Speerin passed away in 2019 Residence. To contribute sunscreen, click here When you use AMAZON from melanoma, the 66th and buy items from the wish list. At checkout, SMILE, a percentage of Line continues to honor select Amazon’s prepopulated gift address your total goes toward her by providing sunscreen “Attn: Dana Blair - Sunscreen.” If you check out Rangerette scholarships. and promoting skin-cancer SPEERIN through Amazon Smile, which gives a percent- Select the Kilgore College awareness to current Rangerettes annually. age of your purchase to the Kilgore College Foundation Due to COVID-19, 66th Line representatives Foundation, you can contribute even more to as your charity at could not attend work week to discuss sunscreen; the Rangerettes. After placing items in your Smile.Amazon.com. instead, the class is providing handouts about se- cart, go to Smile.Amazon.com and complete lecting and applying quality sunscreen and about your purchase.

4 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020 Bits & Boots

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAMONA Help us protect ‘Rette brand GONZALES ABSHERE The Rangerette logo and the K-Girl GUILLORY REPORT VIOLATIONS image are trademarked property of Kilgore College. The unauthorized Contact Kilgore College’s use of these images is a violation of marketing department to report 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, • Report to KC Marketing any Kilgore College known individuals or companies us- executive vice president Ramona Gonzales Abshere Guillory, 33rd Line, displays her Classic membership card. Classic WHAT ABOUT THE BIG HAIR GIRL? Carolyn Thomas Raney holds lifetime membership includes a plaque and early the copyright for the Big Hair Girl. The copyright has been in place access for Revels tickets. since 1971. For permission to use the Big Hair Girl, you must email Raney at [email protected], using the subject line “Big Hair Girl request.” Violators using this artwork without approval will receive Membership cards issued a cease-and-desist letter. Membership cards went out this year to reflect the updated Rangerettes Forever memberships. Last fall, the organization Your tree needs a little added an additional lifetime membership tier, Platinum, and the traditional lifetime red, white and blue membership is now Classic. Annual dues Commemorate the Kilgore College Rangerettes’ payment is no longer 80th anniversary with a hand-painted glass ($35 available. each) or cloisonné ($50 each) ornament. A limited Unfortunately, we number of ornaments remain, and you can click don’t have complete here to reserve yours via a Google form. You will then records going back to be sent a link for payment via PayPal. Paid ornaments the beginning of our may be: organization. If you • Picked up at central location in Kilgore during joined Rangerettes Show-offs weekend Forever as a lifetime member prior to • Picked up in Dallas or Houston metro October 2019 and missed the year’s messages • Mailed to you for an additional charge of $10. and reminders about new cards, contact (Pickups are preferred.) [email protected] for details Ornaments feature the Rangerettes’ founding year, about ordering a replacement card. Send a anniversary year and a K-Girl silhouette. picture of your lifetime plaque, pictured, to Note: 79th Line and 80th Line members will receive one expedite the process. complimentary ornament each, courtesy of Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin, a Click here to learn more about member- former Rangerette manager. ship and to join.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 5 FOREVER Newsletter Bits & Boots FOREVERS DFW continued their tradition of purchasing, packing and distributing a CHAPTER HAPPENINGS healthy snack to active Rangerettes during their rehearsal for the Cotton Bowl. Thank you to those who participated in all levels of the 2019 endeavor. To volunteer for future healthy-snack efforts, contact Carole Cahill, 35th Line, at [email protected]. The EAST TEXAS FOREVERS: • Gave the Rangerettes travel kits for their trip to England in November. • Hosted a team supper before a Christ- SHARE NEWS mas-show rehearsal in FROM YOUR December. FOREVER • Created puzzles CHAPTER Send an email PHOTO COURTESY OF KAY POTTHOFF WALLACE and mailed Rangerettes East Texas Forevers hosted a team supper for the Kilgore College Rangerettes in December. letters in May. to RetteForever • Assisted in pre- News@gmail. com. If possible, paring the Rangerette include a high- Residence for the new resolution, color school year. Forevers photo and cleaned showers, sinks, caption toilets and baseboards. information. Thanks to: Martha Hale Deen, Nicki Tribbey Patterson, Brazie Mata Adamez, Beverly Brun- son Tallent, Barbara Harmon Malm, Megan DeHoyos, Erin Ellis, Mazie Mathews Jamison, Karen K. Franklin, Shelley Stoeck Wayne, Ryan Wayne and Betty Cobb Longacre (residence PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTHA HALE DEAN manager, mother of Shelley Stoeck Wayne and Kilgore College Rangerettes display their travel kits provided by the East Texas Forevers. grandmother of Ryan Wayne).

‘Sweethearts’ now streaming HONOR MANAGERS WITH CONTRIBUTION If you’ve worn out your DVD (or you ditched your DVD player long ago), “Sweethearts of the TO NEW SCHOLARSHIP Gridiron,” a documentary about the world-famous The newly created Rangerette Manager Kilgore College Rangerettes, is now on YouTube in Memorial Scholarship honors managers who its entirety. Chip Hale, former Rangerette manager, have passed away. When fully endowed, the created the film. Click here to watch the show for the scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore 801st time. Rangerette manager. To contribute to the If you prefer the shine of a new DVD, you still can $15,000 required for full endowment by purchase it via Amazon.com. Don’t forget to buy August 2023, click here to visit the Kilgore through Smile.Amazon.com and select the Kilgore College Foundation page. Under GIFT College Foundation as your cause, so a portion of DESIGNATION, scroll down to “Rangerette your payment benefits Rangerette scholarships. Manager Memorial Scholarship.”

6 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020 Bits & Boots Texas Highways ’Rettes featured on rodeo bags The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo featured a vintage photo of three Kilgore College Rangerettes on a commemorative tote. Bags are still for sale while supplies last, and you can purchase them for $5 each when you click here. Suzanne Harrington Wright Bloch, 17th IN Line, identified the photo from her tenure as a Rangerette, between 1956 and 1958. She named the Rangerettes pictured as Linda Gladney, standing left; LaVerne Tittle Smoth- PRINT erman, standing right; and Delores Emmett Rangerettes appear in publications across Texas Jones, seated. “We had some funny experiences at that GLOSS AND GLAMOR Houston Fat Stock Show,” Bloch wrote in Dave Shafer photographed the Kilgore College Rangerettes for a visual jour- the Rangerettes Forever group on Facebook, ney into East Texas that appeared in the February 2020 edition of Texas High- referring to the event by its original name. ways magazine. Click here to view the entire photo essay online. “Did a beach ball routine which had to be scratched because when the ball bounced it SHE’S OUR COVER GIRL came back full of guess what. Also a few of us Kali Rochford, 80th Line, graced the cover of July’s Midlothian Now maga- did a Chevy commercial for TV.” zine. Click here to view the edition. Sharon Bailey Nelson, 19th Line, shared a similar show memory. GARAGE-SALE FIND “When we did the high kick, guess what SPARKS MEMORIES went everywhere?!?!” she said. “You can Kilgore Mayor (and former imagine the smell on the bus back to Kilgo- Rangerette manager) Ronnie re!” Spradlin’s garage-sale find made the Kilgore News Herald’s Chit Chat Corner — twice. “The painting was by Marga- ret Maxwell, who with her vivid imagination and talent created a painting spanning years of Kilgore Barbara “Pill” Harmon Malm compares a painting of Kilgore history with photos from history and included important Life. See the art in downtown Kilgore. KILGORE people, Kilgore Rangerettes, oil NEWS HERALD PHOTO/LINDA K. BALLARD field equipment, KIBA gardens and more,” KNH’s Linda Ballard wrote. Click here to read the full piece. In a followup column, Ballard spoke with Barbara “Pill” Harmon Malm, 26th Line, who identified Rangerettes in the painting. Malm also told the story behind the Life magazine photo depicted in the artwork. Click here to read that column.

View the painting at Kilgore Mercantile & Music store, 105 N. Kilgore St. in PHOTO/HOUSTON downtown Kilgore. LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

RANGERETTES FOREVER 7 FOREVER Newsletter Bits & Boots

COURTESY OF MICHAEL FRY Funny girls RANGERETTES MENTIONED IN ‘OVER THE HEDGE’ COMIC

the dancers landed among such company. “I was THE ONE he Kilgore College Rangerettes looking for some reference ... that’s weird but WITH THE have shared spaces with princes enough people would get. It just happened.” ‘RETTES and presidents, and in February Click here to T Fry, who lives “out in the hill country, a little view Michael they were in the company of Grammy- west of Buda, southwest of Austin,” moved to Fry’s post about winning singers and a former First Lady — Texas in 1977, when he began college at Baylor the cartoon, in a comic strip. University. He completed his history degree at illustrated by the University of Texas. Thomas Leslie Writer Michael Fry’s Feb. 14 “Over the “Just being in Texas, you know about ’em,” Lewis III, known Hedge” cartoon sent Forever hearts aflutter with he said of the Rangerettes, to whom he has no as T. Lewis. its reference to the team. personal ties. Character Hammy shows off the valentines “I’ve seen them over the years — parades, he has received — from singers Lizzo and Billie football games and stuff,” he said. Eilish, former First Lady Michelle Obama, His closest encounter was at a hotel before a actress Catherine O’Hara and the Rangerettes. Cotton Bowl game when he was in college. “I just make stuff up and write it down,” Fry “That’s the closest I ever got to a Rangerette,” told the Rangerettes Forever Newsletter of how he said. “There was a lot of makeup.”

ALL IN THE NAME WOMAN OF INFLUENCE Arbor Grace nursing facility in Kilgore named one of The Longview News-Journal wrote again about the late PEGGY two new courtyards after the Kilgore College Ranger- CROWDER COGHLAN, Seventh Line and first assistant director ettes. Click here to read more about the project in the of the Kilgore College Rangerettes, in its coverage of the city’s most Kilgore News Herald. influential women. Click here to read more.

8 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020 Bits & Boots

Swingsters selected PHOTO/FROZEN IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY

wingsters, selected in January, are, front row, from left, Rachel Bowsher, McKinney; Grace Gatewood, McKinney; Emmie SGrieve, New Braunfels; Elisabeth Eckles, Whitehouse; Cassidy Fairchild, Georgetown; Alexa Ramos, Deer Park; Bailey Stark, Cypress; Scarlet Walls, Plano; and Brook Naulty, McKinney. Walls is head 80th Line Swingster. Seventy-ninth Line Swingsters are, top row, from left, Kayla Parker, Pearland; Celeste Ramirez, Pasadena; Celeste Alvarado, Austin; Alyssa Gray, Fort Worth; Lauren Murray, Tomball; Rachel Clower, Kilgore; Sierra Canales, Pasadena; Emma Strange, Flower Mound; Kendal DeVillier, Nederland; and Carolynn Rose, Longview. Strange is head 79th Line Swingster.

The 79th and 80th lines assemble at the Gussie Da-da-drive in style Nell Davis Rangerette Residence. Does your Texas vehicle still lack a Kilgore RANGERETTE PHOTO College Rangerettes license plate? Know someone whose car needs one? Purchase a plate or extend the term of your existing one at www.MyPlates. com/Personalized/PLPC179 or call 888- 769-7528. MyPlates sometimes removes specialty plates from its inventory if an organization does not meet the required 200 registered plate minimum, according GIFT TO HELP UPGRADE RESIDENCE TECH to the website. Your plate helps keep the An anonymous gift of $150,000 will help upgrade the technology infrastructure Rangerette design on the road. Plates at the Gussie Nell Davis Rangerette Residence. The Kilgore College Foundation start as low as $35 a year for a five-year received the gift early this year, nearly a decade-and-a-half after the two-story plan with randomly generated letter/ structure opened in 2006. Click here to read more about the donation. number combinations.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 9 FOREVER Newsletter

For decades, new Rangerettes have made a traditional photo with their announcement sign on the stage at Dodson Auditorium. This year’s group photo was socially distanced in the Deana Bolton-Covin Rangerette Gymnasium. RANGERETTE PHOTO NEW LINE, NEW TIME

After a socially distanced, compressed FRESHMAN RANGERETTES audition process, 32 Hopefuls earned Alvin: Emma Geiman Keller: Hannah McLendon spots on the 81st Line of the Kilgore Austin: Hannah Nauert Lantana: Ivy Adams College Rangerettes on July 8. This year’s Beaumont: Katelyn Lufkin: Nevaeh Davis Dickerson and Brea Landry and Grace Montes team hails from across Texas, with one Carrollton: Cella Linebarger McKinney: Kylie Dauper out-of-state member. Click here to view Cibolo: Josephine Craighead Nederland: Rhyan Stoker a map of Rangerette hometowns. College Station: Baylie Plano: Samantha Hebert Senkel and Lindy Weisman and Katie Rock Combine: Lexi Leftwich Richardson: Emmy Brozak and Bella Guzman Deer Park: Saranda Adame Rowlett: Erin Killingsworth Denton: Karis Toleman San Antonio: Farmers Branch: Isabella Benavidez Allegra Norman Tatum: Kylie Benavidez Friendswood : Troup: Abbi Schoolcraft Ivy Sepulvado Whitehouse: Garland : Ashley Schutte Abby Stainback Justin : Sydney Lowe Wichita Falls: Katy: Mariana Vega Sarah Johnston

IN THE NEWS Click here to watch a video recap of this year’s Pre-training, which incorporated a condensed schedule and social-distancing Click here to watch coverage of tryouts on KLTV. protocols, including Hopefuls witnessing Sign Drop from the Click here to read about Sign Drop in the Longview News-Journal. audience chairs instead of on the stage in Dodson Auditorium. Click here to read about freshman Cella Linebarger in her local paper.

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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO ADOPT A ‘RETTE Here’s what you need to know about the Adopted program, which matches Forevers with active members of the Kilgore College Rangerettes: • You MUST email all requests to [email protected]. If you do not email, you will not receive information on a Rangerette. • If your adopted Rangerette is now a sophomore, she remains your adopted for this academic year. You do NOT need to email if you intend to keep your sophomore. This does not mean that you cannot adopt a new member as well. • Most likely, more than one Forever will be assigned to your Rangerette. You are not Adopted opportunities obligated to collaborate on gifts, communication, etc. • While there are no For those of you who are considering adopting or requirements for your level of have adopted in the past but haven’t in some time: interaction with your adopted Anne Hart Newsom (16th Line) adopted me when Rangerette, this is still a I was a Rangerette in 1991–93. She encouraged me, commitment. Once you adopt, taught me so much about the Rangerette traditions, find a communication channel cheered me on and loved me through those two that works best for you, and years, for which I have been forever grateful. In follow through with that October 2019, I was honored to stand by her on the throughout your Rangerette’s football field and perform next to her for the 80th time in Kilgore. These amazing young women are hungry for anniversary. All of these years have passed, and she guidance and mentorship, and is still one of my most treasured, precious friends. your desire to develop and Because of her, I have adopted Rangerettes through keep a relationship with them the years. They have been a blessing in my life. As brings great joy. Forevers, we offer the opportunity to these young Email RetteAdoption@gmail. ladies to be the legacy and the hope for life during com with any questions you Rangerettes and after Rangerettes. We have so much may have. to offer to them. Please consider adopting! —Carey Christie, 52nd Line STILL GOING STRONG? Clockwise from top left: Carey Christie, left, with adoptee Has your Forever-adoptee Carolynn Rose, 79th Line, and Christie’s daughter; relationship lasted well beyond Christie with her Forever, Anne Hart Newsom (16th Line); the adoptee’s time in uniform? Christie with adoptee Kyla Drake, 76th Line; Christie We’d love to hear about it at with adoptee Shelby Reynolds, 77th Line; Christie with [email protected]. adoptee Courtney Knight, 78th Line. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAREY CHRISTIE

RANGERETTES FOREVER 11 FOREVER Newsletter Cherished moments IN A YEAR CUT SHORT, RANGERETTE PERFORMANCES STAND OUT

BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO

The Kilgore College Rangerettes flew across the Atlantic Ocean to perform in the BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO. Click here to watch their skirt routine. Read more about their trip and performances on page 15.

PHOTO/ BEN COLLINS

CHRISTMAS SHOW

The Kilgore College Rangerettes’ annual CHRISTMAS SHOW was Dec. 8, with two showtimes in Dodson Auditorium. “A December to Remember” featured the Rangerettes and included guest performances by local dance groups and the Kilgore College Dance Department. PHOTO/FROZEN IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY

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COTTON BOWL The Rangerettes performed for the 70th consecutive year in the GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL CLASSIC Dec. 28. Prior to the game, Rangerettes helped welcome players and participated in other pageantry activities. Click here to watch the halftime.

ABOVE: The Kilgore College Rangerettes begin their twist fall onto the field for their high kick at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

LEFT: Officers Lt. Kendal DeVillier of Nederland, left, Lt. Kelee Norris of Longview and Capt. Karsen Conser of Tyler strut into position before the high kick begins.

BOTTOM LEFT: Hannah Phelps, left, and Shelby Fletcher, both of the 79th Line, perform the high kick.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Trinity Ewing, 79th Line, and teammates perform a skirt routine to “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

PHOTOS/COTTON BOWL

RANGERETTES FOREVER 13 FOREVER Newsletter

PHOTOS/FROZEN IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY

DANCE CLASSIC The Rangerettes performed for exhibition at the GUSSIE NELL DAVIS DANCE CLASSIC competition at Kilgore College. Click here to watch the kick. The Feb. 8 contest raised money for Rangerette scholarships, thanks to Joyce and C.R. Pennington of American Dance/Drill Team.

DANCE CONCERT SEE THE ‘RETTES NEXT The Kilgore College Dance Department’s annual concert went on despite the SHOWOFFS: See the 81st Line perform for the first time and witness the final phase of officer tryouts at pandemic. “AXIOM” premiered on Show-offs beginning 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at YouTube with a live watch party. The R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. Social-distancing show featured archived footage and protocols will be in effect. The event will be live- newly recorded performances from streamed. Watch Rangerette social-media channels the homes of KCDD students, most of for updates and details. whom are Rangerettes. Click here to watch the concert. FOOTBALL GAMES: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, football season is delayed until spring.

14 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020

The Kilgore College Rangerettes wow the audiences at Birmingham International Tattoo with their high kicks and jump splits. The team traveled to England in November for the tattoo and sightseeing in London. PHOTO/ BEN COLLINS

Unmatched pride ‘RETTE REFLECTS ON PERFORMANCES, EXPERIENCES IN ENGLAND

n November, the 79th and 80th lines were given the incredible I opportunity to travel to England and perform in the Birmingham International Tattoo alongside groups from across Europe. There were bagpipes, large REAGAN military bands and WELLS dancing groups, but 79TH LINE as usual, the Rangerettes brought something different and special to the table. I know I speak for the entire current line when I say that hearing “and now, for the very first time in the U.K., the Kilgore College Rangerettes from Texas of the Please see more PRIDE on page 16. Rangerettes smile backstage at the Birmingham International Tattoo. PHOTO/ BEN COLLINS

RANGERETTES FOREVER 15 FOREVER Newsletter

79th Line Rangerettes, from left, Celeste Ramirez, Shelby Fletcher, Liz White, Reagan Wells, Gabriela Brea and Kyla Parker take in Windsor Palace. RIGHT END PHOTO COURTESY OF REAGAN WELLS

PRIDE continued from page 15 Rangerettes perform many historical artifacts stored their Texas skirt routine inside, and some lucky ’Rettes U.S. of A.” was one of the most under the British flag. even spotted the Queen herself surreal experiences. Hearing PHOTO COURTESY along with her royal dogs leav- OF REAGAN WELLS the crowd gasp in awe both ing the palace in a car! While nights as we landed our jump in London, we were able to vis- split is now my new favorite it the main tourist attractions memory of performing in the of the city, such as Buckingham red, white and blue. It was also Palace, the changing of the with unmatched pride that guard, The London Eye, the we wore our state’s flag in our London Natural History Muse- skirt routine as we danced um, various Christmas markets under massive hanging flags “It was also with MORE PERSPECTIVES and all the shopping stores. unmatched pride of countless European nations. Click here to watch As a team, we were lucky Between performances, we that we wore our a video diary of the enough to see “TINA: The Tina were able to interact with state’s flag in our Rangerettes’ adventures. Turner Musical,” which was the other performers, and it skirt routine as we Click here and click an absolutely incredible show was very cool to swap stories about Tina’s life that ended in a danced under massive here to watch 80th Line and share a little bit of tiny concert. It was also fun to find hanging flags of member Hannah Moss’ Kilgore, Texas, with our new videos from the trip. out that Tina Turner and Ran- countless European international friends! The two Click here to read gerettes are both celebrating 80 days of the tattoo came and nations.” coverage in The Eagle of years this year! went much too fast, but that REAGAN WELLS College Station. It is with so much was not the end of this once- 79TH LINE pride from all 69 2019–20 See photos from Forever in-a-lifetime trip. Kit Royal Bolte, page 17. Rangerettes that England is As well as getting to perform added to the growing list of for two consecutive nights in William Shakespeare, which international trips that our Birmingham, we were also allowed us to take a glance into the tattoo ended, we moved world-famous organization able to sightsee and experience how one of the most famed on to London, where we spent has been on. We were so lucky Stratford-upon-Avon, Windsor writers grew up. Along with the four days, but not before mak- to be able to travel abroad and London. Prior to arriving tour that day, many of us ate ing a quick stop in Windsor, yet again and show another in Birmingham, we stopped in the traditional English meal of where we toured Windsor part of the world the magic of Stratford-upon-Avon, where fish and chips and experienced Palace. We were able to see Rangerettes. We truly are the we toured the birthplace of genuine English culture. When the lavish décor of the palace, lucky ones!

16 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020

Forevers, family and friends of the Kilgore College Rangerettes gather at Covent Garden in London’s West End. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIT ROYAL BOLTE

FOREVER SCRAPBOOK: BIRMINGHAM TATTOO AND ENGLAND KIT ROYAL BOLTE 34TH LINE

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Forevers Genay Mullins Davis (28th Line), Kit Royal Bolte (34th Line), Nicki Tribbey Patterson (37th Line) and Brenda Jones Alexander (36th Line) cheer on the Rangerettes at the Birmingham International Tattoo. Bolte with her adopted Rangerette, Claire Hodges of the 80th Line, at “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical” in London. Bolte with Grace Gatewood, 80th Line, the first recipient of Bolte’s endowed scholarship, Sweethearts of the Gridiron, at the Tower of London. Forevers Bolte, Patterson and Alexander at Tower Bridge in London.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 17 FOREVER Newsletter

LEFT: Rangerette sisters Kate Basinger, 71st Line, left, and Shelby Holly Hladky, 72nd Line, brunched in January 2019 at Bread Winners Café in Dallas. The sister date ignited a resolution to meet monthly. “I am so thankful that I drew Shelby’s name out of that little plastic container ... nine years ago,” Basinger said. “I know this PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHELBY HOLLY HLADKY is a bond and friendship that I will always have.”

March 2019: Dinner and Frozé at Mi Dia February 2019: Coffee From Scratch at PERC in Lewisville in Flower Mound Unbroken bond RANGERETTE SISTERS HAVE MET MONTHLY SINCE JANUARY 2019

he streak began at an overdue sister date in January 2019. Rangerette sisters Kate T Basinger, 71st Line, and Shelby Holly Hladky, 72nd Line, were catching up over brunch. “We realized it had been way too long since we had seen each other, so we decided that we wanted to make it a priority to see each other once a month,” said Hladky, assistant director of the Marquettes at Marcus High School in Flower Mound. “Since we had been talking about New Year’s resolutions earlier in the date, we decided this would be one we could conquer together.” Spoiler: They kept the resolution, meeting and taking a April 2019: Wine at Old Town May 2019: Dinner at Katy Trail Wine in Lewisville picture together every month that year. Ice House in Dallas Please see more BOND on page 19.

18 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020

June 2019: Pool and spa day at The Adolphus in Dallas ...

July 2019: Pizza August 2019: Live music ... followed by dinner at Taverna Rossa and yummy food at September 2019: at Iron Cactus in Plano Legacy Hall in Plano Backstreet Boys concert

BOND continued from page 18 December. There were a couple of months that we don’t call/text often, but there is both of us were super busy so we would something about getting a hug, being able “I have never done anything like this meet for a quick cup of coffee.” to pray together, and have devoted time before,” said Basinger, who is studying The sisters took turns picking the to loving each other well has truly been occupational therapy at University of St. venues, and they started a list for future so rewarding. We both leave feeling so Augustine for Health Sciences. “I always sister dates, Basinger said. full. It is worth a few hours a month to say that I will reach out to close friends “In terms of depth of conversations, maintain such an important and impactful and plan get togethers nothing has changed; we have relationship. She is the best voice of reason, often. But, as you get “ ... Our always been super close and and one of my favorites to laugh and make older, it gets harder to find relationship has continue to be,” Hladky said. memories with.” time. We keep ourselves grown so much “I will say being in Dallas Basinger seconded the benefits of the accountable, and it’s really more, going allows us to be a little more resolution. fun to think of new things adventurous than we could “A year of sister dates has been a really through life to do each month. In fact, be in Kilgore, but Kate did an rewarding experience,” she said. “A lot this is the only resolution together.” incredible job of making our happens in a year, also. We have been by in general that I have ever KATE BASINGER sister dates a priority while we each other’s sides during some really life- fully completed.” 71ST LINE were Rangerettes as well.” changing times. You do a lot of growing in The reunions ranged The sisters planned to your twenties, and it is very special to have from coffee to concerts, some hastily continue their newly established tradition this kind of close bond. Shelby and I were orchestrated and some planned months in into the next year and beyond. Despite very close throughout Rangerettes and advance. the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters still also through our time at Texas A&M. But “Some (dates) were a little more haven’t missed a month. our relationship has grown so much more, extravagant than others,” Hladky said. “It does sound intimidating to fit (a going through life together. “My birthday is in June and Kate’s is in monthly date) into a busy schedule and “I would recommend this sort of September, so we did bigger events for a crazy life, but having my sister to talk resolution for any group of friends. It’s those months to celebrate our birthdays. through things with has been the biggest really special, fun and easily my favorite Then we tried to be festive for November/ blessing this year,” Hladky said. “Not part of every month.”

... And the photos continued into 2020. November 2019: December 2019: “It is crazy to see how the Lord works Homemade dinner and Chocolate and wine at through a small piece of paper,” Shelby Holly a Hallmark movie Chocolate Secrets ... Hladky, 72nd Line, said. “ ... Our relationship at Kate’s new house would have never formed if it weren’t for her drawing my name. She has been with me through the happiest and hardest times in my life. She is the big sister I never had, October 2019: Kilgore loving me in all the best ways. She is selfless College Homecoming, ... then Christmas Lights and truly such a part of my story. I am so then dinner at in Highland Park and thankful for Rangerettes, and ALL the people The Grove in Tyler dinner at Uncle Julios it has brought me, but my Miss Basinger is high, high up on that list.”

RANGERETTES FOREVER 19 FOREVER Newsletter Kicks & Cadence Tales from the continued adventures of Forevers and supporters

PHOTO COURTESY OF FELA MATHY

FELA MCQUAGGE MATHY, 50th Line, in May completed the requirements to earn a doctorate in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University. She is director of PHOTO COURTESY fine arts for Lovejoy ISD in PHOTO/ANGELA AULDS OF MADELINE BENOIT Lucas. ANGELA FALCONE AULDS, 68th Line, MADELINE DOERR BENOIT, 75th Line, made welcomed Brixton Davis (named for Miss Gussie her television debut as a dancer in episodes 1 and Nell Davis) Aulds in November. As son of the 5 of Season 3 of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Rangerettes’ assistant choreographer and dance Amazon Prime. This spring, she launched The technician, Brixton has spent countless hours Wonder Project to share with “young artists about with the Rangerettes, including Capt. Karsen the practical tools that get you from Wondering Conser, pictured. about this industry and what it takes to become a professional performer.” Click here for more about the project, and click here to read an interview with Benoit.

JENNIFER PHOTO COURTESY LAWLER OF AMY CARRANZA, 52nd BRUYERE Line, is the new AMY MIMS BRUYERE, 67th principal of Clifton PHOTO/DALLAS STARS ICE GIRLS Line, is now teaching seventh- PHOTO/KILLEEN ISD Park Elementary grade reading and English at ERICA TRULL, 71st Line, is the Dallas Stars school in Killeen Judson STEAM Academy in Ice Girls’ new assistant director. Trull, left, is a Independent School Longview Independent School former member of the team, which is directed District. District. She is owner/instructor by ROBBYN GOOD DOUGHERTY, 65th at In-Step Dance Co. in Kilgore. Line, right. Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 21.

20 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020

Kicks & Cadence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

In loving memory:

ERNESTINE DOLORES TUTTLE KILCHENSTEIN, 12th Line, passed away in December. Click here to read her obituary.

SHERRI HODGES GLOVER, 26th Line, passed away in December. Click here to read her obituary. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA ZUELSDORF KATHRYN DENSON ROBERSON, 22nd Line, passed ANDREA SPELLS away in January. Click here to read her obituary. ZUELSDORF, 53rd PHOTO COURTESY DIANE BULLOCK KAIN, 23rd Line, passed away in Line, placed first in adult OF BETHANY LEPRETRE February. Click here to view her obituary. intermediate buttercream BETHANY PHELPS single and first in adult LEPRETRE, 72nd Line, is now MARY JO CAMPBELL MCCULLY, First Line, passed intermediate small bites in the teaching dance at Deer Park away in February. Click here to view her obituary, and That Takes The Cake sugar North Campus. click here to watch an interview about her work as a art and cake competition in “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. February in Austin. She owns Belton-based Let Them Eat DONNETTE HEATH GAICOCHEA, 47th Line, Cake, which offered cupcake- passed away in April. Click here to read her obituary, decorating kits during the and click here to read her interview with Stroke pandemic. Connection.

EVA JEAN SMYLIE BELL, 14th Line, passed away in May. Click here to read her obituary.

SHIRLEY WHITTINGTON PRUITT, 14th Line, passed away in May. Click here to read her obituary.

ALANE WOODARD CAMERON, 29th Line, passed away in June. Click here to read her obituary.

ARCHIE WHITFIELD, director of public relations at PHOTO/KELLER ISD Kilgore College from 1985 to 2000, passed away in July. Texas Dance Educators Asso- His responsibilities included the Rangerettes Forever ciation honored KIM WILD organization. Click here to read his obituary. CARDWELL, 44th Line, as PHOTO BOBBE JEAN WILSON HUMPHREY, 15th Line, COURTESY director of the year at its Janu- OF JAMIE ary convention. She is Timber passed away in July. Click here to read her obituary. VALLEJO Creek High School assistant DALE CHAFIN, manager in 1973–75, passed away JAMIE VALLEJO, 59th Line, dance instructor. Click here to in July. Click here to read his obituary. Read more was honored in January with a read more about her teaching about newly created Rangerette Manager Memorial Distinguished Teacher Award journey. Scholarship on page 6. from KIPP Texas-Austin Public Please see more Kicks & Schools. Cadence on page 22.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 21 FOREVER Newsletter

Kicks & Cadence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

P2JW062000-0-A01100-1------XA

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. Monday, March 2, 2020 | A11 LIFE & ARTS A Parent Talk, Before It’s Too Late Adult children often don’t know what shaped their parents’ lives—and wait too long to ask. That’s starting to change.

BY CLARE ANSBERRY he didn’t say so when I called those many times or years, to say I wanted to Sarah Smith leave,” he says. “I sus- wanted to pect he didn’t want to know more intervene and that I was about her adult enough to make Fmom’s relationship with my own decision.” her own mother. “I’d like Knowing what he to know why my mother missed with his own felt unloved,” says Ms. parents, a few years ago Smith, a stay-at-home he interviewed his in- mom in Dallas. “And laws and taped their what was said that made conversation on his her feel insecure and phone. “None of us less confident.” think about how many Ms. Smith, 45, didn’t more days we have.” His press. Now, she’s un- mother-in-law died 11 likely to ever know. Her months ago. 74-year-old mother has Ms. Smith, in Dallas, early-onset Alzheimer’s regrets that her and lives in a memory mother’s Alzheimer’s care unit. has dimmed the As significant as par- chances to learn more ents are in life, their about her past. adult children often Her mother, Rebecca don’t know what shaped Bearden, was selective them and what they about the stories she were like before they be- told. “She only wanted to came mom and dad. communicate things she They may be curious wanted me to hear,” says about their parents’ Ms. Smith. That, along background and choices, with the dementia, left but don’t think to ask Ms. Smith with questions questions or know how that can’t be answered. to begin. They are busy Why, for example, did with raising their fami- her mother, who was ad- lies and jobs or live hun- mired by others for her dreds of miles away. leadership and generos- Other topics—children, ity, lack confidence? “I school, work—can seem could compliment her all more pressing. day and she would say it wasn’t Parents themselves aren’t al- true,” says Ms. Smith. ways forthcoming, telling only the QUESTIONS TO ASK At one point, her mother said happy stories and filtering out that she never felt fully loved by painful ones. Some don’t think YOUR PARENTS her own mother. When Ms. Smith their lives are all that interesting. asked her to explain why, her Yet today, for some people, that mother dropped it and so did is starting to change. There’s a any people want to know Sarah, sensing her mother’s reluc- growing interest in understanding Mmore about their parents, tance. “I think she was trying to our parents’ lives. Part of it is gen- but aren’t sure what to ask or protect me. She knew how much I erational: Younger people are more how to start the conversation. loved my grandmother.” Her transparent and used to telling the StoryCorps suggests some mother, she says, did grow closer story of their own lives, often on- prompts below. to her own mother late in life. line for many to see, and expect it Ms. Smith has three children and from others. n Do you remember what was wishes she had answers for their “I think younger people find it going through your head when sake. “I want to know what not to difficult to understand parents and you first saw me? say to my children,” she says. grandparents who haven’t docu- n How did you choose my Her mom’s dementia gives her a mented in the way they are doing,” name? greater appreciation of the impor- says Rutger Bruining, 41, CEO of tance and urgency of transparency StoryTerrace, a company that n What was I like as a baby? As and storytelling. She wrote a book helps people create their own bi- a young child? about caregiving, “Broken Beauty: ography books. “Kids want an an- n Do you remember any of the Piecing Together Lives Shattered by swer to everything.” songs you used to sing to me? Early-Onset Alzheimer’s,” and now A growing interest in ancestry Can you sing them now? journals daily. “It’s so easy for us to and the rise in home DNA kits grab the phone and take notes, and n What were my siblings like? leaves people wanting to know journal. I do that now and it’s my more of their family stories, while n What were the hardest mo- hope our kids will go back and look greater awareness of dementia ments you had when I was grow- at things I’ve written.” makes capturing them soon all the ing up? Some parents feel compelled to more urgent. n If you could do everything again, answer unasked questions to ex- New technology makes it easier, would you raise me differently? plain themselves and why they too. StoryCorps, a nonprofit oral were the parents they were. Eliza- history project, has a free app that n What advice would you give beth Jacobson, 42, knew her provides suggested questions, and me about raising my own kids? mother was overly protective. She directions on recording, saving n What are your dreams for me? remembers being dropped off at and sharing a conversation with a Top, Sarah Smith, right, and her mother, who now has Alzheimer’s disease. college, forgetting her coat and family member. There are many n How did you meet mom/dad? Above, Ms. Smith’s mother, Rebecca Bearden, pictured during her college days. her mother making the four-hour journaling apps, too. n Are you proud of me? round trip drive back the next day About a third of Americans ad- with it. “I thought, ‘I don’t know n What were your parents like? mire what their parents have any parent who would do that,’” achieved but don’t know how they n How was your relationship says Ms. Jacobson, who lives in did it, according to a recent survey with your parents? Tacoma, Wash. of 990 adults by StoryTerrace, n How would you describe your- She never really thought about which pairs ghostwriters with peo- self as a child? Were you it or asked why. “I thought, ‘This ple who want to document their happy? is just mom,’” she says. lives in a book. One in five don’t A few years later, when she was know anything about their parents n What was your best memory in her mid-20s and married, she before they became parents, and of childhood? visited her parents. While there, 45% learn more about their par- she says her mother, Pat Wilson, ents from discovering photos and revealed to her for the first time family possessions than direct con- that she had been married before, versations with them, according to TELLING A STORY had a son, and that her ex-husband the survey, which was conducted had taken him when he was 3 to The Bend Magazine profiled TAYLOR GREER, 70th Line. Click in November. see Santa and never returned. She Yet relationships with parents, toryCorps is a nonprofit oral hired a private detective and after regardless of how complicated, are Shistory project with mobile years of looking, Ms. Wilson gave the ones a person takes through recording studios that allow two up her search and tried to get on life, says David Isay, who founded people to record 40-minute con- Dan Ryan at Naval Academy in 1977 with her life. It was the early here to read the article. StoryCorps. It has recorded versations. The free StoryCorps with his parents. Right, his father. 1970s, before the internet made 600,000 interviews between family app lets people record and up- tracking people down easier. members or friends and archived load their interviews using their Ms. Jacobson was blown away. “I them in the American Folklife Cen- mobile device. sobbed the whole way home,” she ter at the Library of Congress. StoryTerrace is a biography says. “There was so much to take in. Nearly everyone, he says, talks writing service that matches Everything started to make sense. about their parents. “Someone people with professional ghost- Why mom was so sad all the time might be 100 years old and the writers to interview them and and why she was so protective.” Ms. first thing they talk about is their write their life story. Prices vary Jacobson wishes her mother had parents,” he says. “It’s a reminder based on special requests but told her earlier. “I think of all those of the primacy of that relation- can range from $1,900 for 4 years she must have stuffed down The Kilgore ship.” Mr. Isay interviewed his own hours of interviews and a 55-60 those feelings,” she says. dad and listened to the recording page book, to $7,450 for 10 Her mother and her son ulti- hours after his father died and hours of interviews and a mately reunited in 2016, when his found it comforting. 115-125 page book. then-wife tracked Ms. Wilson down News Herald and Dan Ryan was 24 when his dad “Finding True Connections: through ancestry.com and Face- died of cancer. His mom died of a How to Learn and Write about a book. After the reunion, Ms. Wilson heart attack two years later. “I al- Family Member’s History,” by decided to write a book called ways thought there would be more Gareth St. John Thomas, is a “Beauty for Ashes,” and hired a Sto- time,” says Mr. Ryan, a 60-year-old manual offering steps, guides ryTerrace ghostwriter, to help her. Chicago Tribune executive coach for CEOs based in and 100 questions, along with It would have been too hard, she Franklin, Tenn. He never got around follow-up prompts, to help docu- says, to write on her own. to asking them about their child- ment a person’s life story. List “I wanted to explain myself. It hood or courtship, his mother’s life price $24.99. Elizabeth Jacobson, left, her daughter, Naomi, and her mother, Pat Wilson, on was such a huge part of my life on an Illinois farm, and his dad’s her mother’s 70th birthday. ‘We need to tell our stories,’ says Ms. Jacobson. and affected my parenting,” says featured former time as a Marine in Iwo Jima. Ms. Wilson, 73. “I’m sure he saw death on a daily on veterans’ graves. “I can only emy, which he suspects made his fa- to talk him out of it. After his father Ms. Jacobson plans on sharing basis and at a young age,” says Mr. guess at what was going through ther tremendously proud. A home- died four years later, Mr. Ryan’s the story with her own 10-year-old Ryan, but his dad, Robert, never his mind. I wish I knew.” sick Mr. Ryan remembers calling mother, Helen, told him that his fa- daughter, when her daughter is manager and talked about it. Mr. Ryan remem- One undiscussed incident lingers home and telling his dad he wanted ther was disappointed in Mr. Ryan’s older. “I want to make sure she bers visiting the cemetery with him with him. After high school, Mr. to leave the academy. A month decision. knows what happened,” she says. FROM TOP: NICOLE HAGER PHOTOGRAPHY; BEARDEN AND SMITH FAMILY; DAN RYAN (2); ROBERT WILSON (2); ROBERT RYAN DAN BEARDEN AND SMITH FAMILY; PHOTOGRAPHY; HAGER NICOLE TOP: FROM on Memorial Day and putting flags Ryan entered the U.S. Naval Acad- later, he did. His father never tried “I have always wondered why “We need to tell our stories.” voice AUSTIN PAGE COURTESY OF THE WALL STREET JOURNAL HEAD in their publications. Head The daughter of REBECCA ENGLISH BEARDEN, served the team 24th Line, spoke to The Wall Street Journal about her 2013–15. Click mother’s history and battle with Alzheimer’s. Click here here to read the to read the article. Tribune article and click here for SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES AND MILESTONES! the Kilgore News We want to hear about your exciting new jobs, promotions Herald’s. and achievements. Email your news to RetteForeverNews@ gmail.com. Include a high-resolution, color photo and caption information. Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 23.

22 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020

Kicks & Cadence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Dallas Tap Dazzlers, directed and founded by FRANCES BRAZELTON DEMPSEY, 18th Line, appeared on “America’s Got Talent” in June. Click here (login required) or on the image above to spot them around the 31-minute mark. Click here to follow the Dazzlers on Facebook.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY ATWOOD ASHLEY (MARTIN) ATWOOD, 61st Line, is producing, executive producing and stars in “Rekindling Christmas,” a holiday movie filmed in her hometown of Bryan. Click here and click here to read more about the production. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMMA SOARD PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELBY WHITE PHOTO COURTESY EMMA SOARD, ROBIN SHELBY WHITE, PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN RICHARDSON PHOTO COURTESY 76th Line, is the new RICHARDSON, 74th Line, is now assistant director of the 73rd Line, is a new teaching Algebra I Magic Belles drill team multimedia journalist and coaching cheer at Belton High School, for Spectrum News in at Robert E. Lee High her alma mater. Dallas. School in Tyler.

ANGIE WEISS, 68th Line, is the new director of the Raiderettes drill team, varsity cheer coach and dance teacher at Rider High School in Wichita Falls. She also Go behind the scenes of the rebranded Clutch will work at Dance Etc. studio in Wichita Falls. She is City Dancers, formerly the Houston Rockets a newly licensed, registered dietitian in Texas available Power Dancers, with JACKIE GARZA, 71st for consultations and nutrition workshops for dancers. Line and captain of the team. Click here or on PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGIE WEISS the image above to watch the video.

Please see more Kicks & Cadence on page 24.

RANGERETTES FOREVER 23 FOREVER Newsletter

Kicks & Cadence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 PHOTO COURTESY OF DANA KRACKER PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDYN MCNIEL PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF KATELYN WATKINS OF KATELYN PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNAH BURNS PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTINE JORDYN EWING DANA CALHOUN HANNAH BURNS, KATELYN NORMAN KLEINECKE, 73rd OF CHRISTINE KLEINECKE PHOTO COURTESY MCNIEL, 72nd Line, is KRACKER, 60th 76th Line, is now WATKINS, 71st Line, is the new a new consulting utility Line, began teaching teaching first grade Line, is a new first- assistant director of forester with Ohio- third grade at Frost at Cullins-Lake grade math teacher at the Mayde Creek High based ACRT Services Elementary School in Pointe Elementary in Keenan Elementary in School Martinettes in Inc. Richmond. Rockwall ISD. Montgomery. Katy ISD. PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDY O’NEILL PHOTO COURTESY

MANDY HAMILTON SHAENA OF SHAENA RINEHART PHOTO COURTESY O’NEILL, 55th Line, RINEHART, 76th is the new senior vice Line, is a new dance president of donor educator and assistant PHOTO COURTESY OF GINGER ELLIOTT TERRY engagement with the director of the Crimson National Breast Cancer Cavalettes at Tompkins ASHTON TERRY-KLOUDA, 74th Line, earned her Doctorate of Foundation. High School in Katy. Pharmacy from The UNT Health Science Center.

JESSICA DOYLE GREEN, LIBBY POWER STRONZ, 73rd 61st Line, is the new Line, is the new assistant director operations pastor at New of the Heritage Belles at Midlothian Hope Church in Wylie. Heritage High School in Midlothian. PHOTO COURTESY She directs the JV Rubies at MHHS and OF JESSICA GREEN the Wildcat Dancers at Walnut Grove Please see more Kicks & Middle School in Midlothian. Cadence on page 25. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBBY STRONZ

24 RANGERETTES FOREVER August 2020

Kicks & Cadence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN HALL PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXA BLAIR PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF ELISE PADILLA PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN WAYNE OF RYAN PHOTO COURTESY

Pflugerville’s Weiss LAINEY BERGEN- ERIN HILTBRAND RYAN WAYNE, 78th ALEXA BLAIR, 77th High School hired HENENGOUWEN, HALL, 61st Line, is Line, worked as a Line, is the new director ELISE PADILLA, 76th 75th Line, is a new a new development production assistant at of the Four Points Line, as a dance teacher labor-and-delivery manager with the MTV in New York City Middle School Majestics

and assistant director of nurse at Parkland OF LAINEY BERGEN-HENENGOUWEN PHOTO COURTESY Institute on Aging in this spring. Dance Team in Austin. the Scarlets drill team. Hospital in Dallas. San Francisco.

ELEANOR SMITH MADISON Texas Dance TIPTON is publishing OF ELEANOR TIPTON PHOTO COURTESY HANCOCK, 73rd PHOTO COURTESY OF ROXANNE GAGE PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON HANCOCK PHOTO COURTESY

Educators Association MORGAN VAN COURTNEY PURSLEY OF COURTNEY PHOTO COURTESY “Birdsong & Buckshot Line, is the new

named ROXANNE DRESAR, 75th Line, DRESAR OF MORGAN VAN PHOTO COURTESY CROUCH PURSLEY, - An Elegiac Echo,” director of the Lake SAENZ GAGE, 45th will teach Texas 61st Line, is a new under her pen name, Highlands High School Line, a finalist for its history at Stephen credit-recovery Bevil Townsend. Click Highlandettes. Click Lifetime Achievement F. Austin Middle specialist and teacher here to read more here to read her profile Award. She is an School in Bryan, while working in Texas City about the 60th Line in Lake Highlands’ adjunct professor continuing her duties Independent School member’s book. Advocate magazine. of dance at Austin as assistant director District with Woodrow Community College. of the James Earl Wilson, Texas City Click here to read her Rudder High School and La Marque high GABBY AZIOS, biography. RangeRettes in Bryan. schools. 76th Line, is the new assistant director of the Legacies dance STAY IN TOUCH: Click here to submit your contact and sister-line team at Vandegrift information to the Rangerettes Forever. When we have your most up-to-date details, you’ll be the first to learn important information, High School in Austin. including when Revels 2021 tickets go on sale. PHOTO COURTESY OF GABBY AZIOS

RANGERETTES FOREVER 25 FOREVER Newsletter

79th Line members GRAND PLANS move onward, upward Name College Major Career goal BY THE NUMBERS Celeste Alvarado Texas Christian University dance dance-studio owner Audrey Blackburn Savannah College interior design interior designer Baylor University of Art and Design Gabriela Brea Baylor University business marketing and advertising Sierra Canales Sam Houston State University education/ minor in dance drill-team director Lamar University Rachel Clower Texas Christian University communication studies human-relations manager Kayci Collie Texas A&M University English drill-team director Southern Methodist University Karsen Conser Texas A&M University fashion merchandising fashion forecaster

Kendal Devillier University of Texas at Austin public relations public-relations specialist Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Trinity Ewing Lamar University general business dance-studio owner Jami Friedman University of Texas at Austin actuarial sciences financial adviser University of Texas at Arlington Shelby Fletcher University of Texas at Austin dance choreographer Alyssa Gray Texas Tech University business undecided Sage Handley Texas A&M University kinesiology pediatric physical therapist Texas Tech University Shelby McFall University of North Texas dance drill-team director McKinzee Merill University of Texas at Arlington nursing registered nurse Out of state Kortnee Miller Oklahoma University undecided undecided Alexandra Morgan Texas A&M – Corpus Christi kinesiology physical therapist Texas State University Lauren Murray University of Texas at Austin business accountant Kelee Norris undecided dance professional dancer/entertainer University of North Texas Alicia Padilla University of Texas at Austin education secondary-school teacher Kayla Parker Sam Houston State University dance dance-studio owner Hannah Phelps Texas State University dance dance-studio owner Sam Houston State University Aly Pogorzelski Texas A&M University nursing nurse

Celeste Rameriez Stephen F. Austin State University interior design interior decorator Stephen F. Austin Kaitlyn Reynolds University of North Texas dance education drill-team director State University Karlee Rodriguez Stephen F. Austin State University nursing labor-and-delivery nurse Carolynn Rose Sam Houston State University dance undecided Texas Christian University Meghan Southern Methodist University communication marketing/advertising Shuckenbrock and drill-team director Laura Kate Schulze Texas A&M University political science political commentator Texas A&M Emma Strange Texas Christian University kinesiology/ minor in nutrition train dancers on fitness and nutrition University Lindsey Surles University of Texas at Austin dance dancer, then drill-team director Vada Taunton Stephen F. Austin State University kinesiology physical therapist University Reagan Wells Texas State University dance education drill-team director of Texas at Austin Lauren Wheeler Texas Tech University dance drill-team director Liz White Texas A&M University education special-education teacher Undecided

26 RANGERETTES FOREVER