"The best part of memories...is making them"
1969 - 1980
I had come home from twirling camp that fall and met a new friend when school started. Her name was Julie and she was a phenomenal dancer. She was teaching me to sharpen the dance moves I had learned. Well, other girls in PE saw us and wanted to learn too. So about 25 - 30 of us were practicing and we wanted the opportunity to perform at games and pep rallies. They asked me to go to Mr. Ford and ask if we did everything, uniforms, music and all, could we perform? He said yes and we could ride the cheerleader bus. So we practiced hard, made our own uniforms, choose our music - which was mostly military or Herb Alput and the TJB - and on Homecoming night in 1969, we performed for the first time.
Debbie (Wilkinson) Young; 1969 - 1970
I guess the story I tell everyone is that my sister Debra Wilkinson Young and Julie Bowers started the Blue Belles in 1969. They were so cute! They made up their own routines and made their own uniforms. They hand sewed the first banner... My favorite story is trying out for officer. I am not an outgoing person like my sister, but I was determined to do it. We had to make up our own routine and perform it alone (that was a big thing for me), but when I made officer I was so happy! Couldn't believe it either! I always loved to dance and that was my opportunity. I know that a lot of young girls are afraid to perform in front of others but with the program that Mrs. Anthony has you can be a part of everything and not have to perform. I can also guarantee you, if you perform that first time, you'll be hooked.
- Toni (Wilkinson) Douthit; 1971 - 1974
I have great memories of being in Blue Belles in the mid 70's. We were a small group but we had a great time together. The practices and the bus trips to the games were a lot of fun. I believe we were the first to start the floorshows. Our director, Mrs. Jean Baker, was tough, but we loved her, we called her mom. I believe she recorded some of our performances. I would love to see them now.
Lisa Forbes; 1974 - 1977
We went to summer camp at SMU and won several awards. Janis Carpenter Vaughn was our director. At camp we had an officers competition and the night before she made us go to the basement of the dorm and practice for what seemed like hours and hours. It wasn't until the wee hour of the morning, that we stopped. We had a blast. We were in the laundry room of the dorm and it was sooooooo hot.
Glenda O'Neill; 1970 - 1974
My freshman year Janice Carpenter was our director. She left during football season. We thought that we would no longer have a drill team at Quinlan High School. Then came a very special person, she had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she did it anyway. Jean Baker was one of the most influential people in my life. She really made the Blue Belles a team for many years. She always had a hug when you needed it. Thanks mom, I have never forgotten you.
Sandy(Ramsey)Dumire 1975 - 1978
Mrs. Baker was everyone's mom, she was supportive, inspirational, and beautiful. She instilled creativity, hope and that hard work has benefits and taught us to always hold you head up high and to remember that we were first and foremost a Belle. I loved the prayer circle before the games. We had garage sales and candy sales until we got enough money together to send the 1981 class to Ireland. She inspired me to teach for QSA and to treat each girl as though they were my very own and to find a unique talent in each one of them. I will always cherish and love them and the Belles.
Gail (McCasland) Henderson; 1977 - 1980
1980 - 1990
I have many happy memories from my years at Ford High School and as a member of the Blue Belles drill team. One of my favorite was performing at my first Belle floorshow in 1979 while still an eighth grader. It's been a few years, but I think I only performed in one routine. In addition to that first performance, it was at this floorshow I saw my future husband for the first time. He was in the band and I was a Belle. Vaughn and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in 2008. Just think...it all started at a Blue Belle floorshow. Another memory that stands out is performing and dancing to Grease before it became such a popular musical. Not only was it a musical, but we got to dance with the boys! What fun that was! I remember "Summer Loving" with Carrie singing the part of Olivia Newton John and Monty taking over John Travolta's part. My favorite was 'Greased Lightening'. Grease is still one of my favorite movies and brings back memories from high school every time I see it.
Tawanna (Piearce) Pumphrey; 1979 - 1982
The Mavricks game we performed at was great as was performing on the football field. Mrs. Baker was the greatest.
-Tammy (Jordan) Salinas, 1982 - 1985
The entire time I spent with the team was my favorite. We had the best director, she will always be a strong figure in my high school years.
- Diane (Rockey) Welte; 1981 - 1983
The trip to Ireland was FANTASTIC!! However, it was the support of Our little town that stuck with me throughout the years. They bought everything we sold and gave generously to our many fundraisers.
Carri (Herring) Stokes; 1978 - 1982
The floorshow "Dancin' Coast to Coast" was so much fun! With all my best friends - Samantha, Suzie, Lanell, Lisa, and Karen - it couldn't have been any better!
Veronica Arnold; 1985 - 1987
The Ireland trip was, of course, my most memorable time with Belles! I loved all competitions! We always "Brought down the house!"
Rhonda (Crow) Holdbrook
I don't have a specific story but the best thing about my time on Belles was the friends I made and all the fun I had. Camp at Kilgore, SMU, and UNT; competitions at Reunion Area, and the floorshows.
Lisa (Kessler) Vineyard; 1983 - 1987
Our trip to the Bahama's - the plane broke down and we barely made it to the ship as it was pulling away. We did not have any luggage until we docked in the Bahamas.
Sandy (Gordy) Walther; 1981 - 1985
I remember performing on the ship to the Bahamas during a storm and kicking a man's drink right out of his hand.
Vicki Leigh (Jones) Dozier; 1981 - 1984
Just the discipline and love I received during goo and bad times. The mom's that worked so hard for us and how hard we were willing to work. Camp after camp of bonding and first class performances at games, the Maverick games, and so many competitions. The lipstick, the red hats, the funny Belle guards knocking crickets off our legs while we couldn't move. Going to the Bahamas was the ultimate and getting my feet so sunburned that I couldn't put on my tap shoes. During the performance, the ship was moving and we were trying to kick and tap. We performed the minute we got our luggage that was lost on the plane! Dancing and going on a clear bottom boat with the awesome color of water and fish. Then there was all those parades, Ft Worth Stock Show parade, the Macy's parade, and Fair Park.
Leigh Ann (Wilson) Godfrey; 1982 - 1985
I'll never forget being a Blue Belle. Kristy, Karen, Regina, and Lisa were by far the most important people who kept me going when I was so tired of kicking that nice red hat. The crickets and mosquitos I would definitely like to forget, especially the ones in my ears. When I graduated and went on to become an East Texas State University Cheerleader, I realized that there was nothing that compared to being in the family of Belles.
Mionne (Devereaux) Camp; 1985 - 1987
During the Baker era, we were doing a cape routine. We were practicing on a Saturday. We were gliding across the gym floor in our stocking feet. I managed to fined a lone tack. Once the tack was implanted in my foot, I went down. The girls in front and behind me began to laugh. Mrs. Baker came down from the top of the bleachers and began to yell at me. I had to show her the tack, and the blood, for her to stop yelling at me. Then Mrs. Baker said, "From the beginning."
Vanessa (Green) Barrow; 1981 - 1985
1990 - 2000
My sophomore year the Blue Belles got the new uniforms. This was such a exciting time because these uniforms were so much more updated and were completely original. There were no other drill teams that had any uniforms close to ours. It was such a great feeling the first time that we performed in those uniforms. -Vickey (Frazier) Raduechel, 1990 - 1994
I remember the October leading up to our annual Halloween sleepover in the gym when Mrs. Keck (well, Mrs. Anthony) tried to convince us that we were being stalked by the Sunshine Kids Cult. She even had black roses sent to us. I think that was the same year the parents created a haunted house and hayride for us...One memory for me wasn't when I was a Belle, but when I was in 8th grade. The Belles came over to do a show for the middle school. One of the dances was the butterfly/wing dance. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a Belle. I remember being so moved by that dance. It was the most awesome thing I had ever seen!...On the way to officer camp the summer of 97, the bus caught on fire...Didn't Tracy pee on herself at one of our games? We started to make jokes about it and gave her diapers at Banquet...Frog and teddy bear umbrellas - enough said.
Jennifer (Cannon) Breland; 1994 - 1998
Do to some injuries Cindy and I were not able to perform at this particular football game. So we were standing with Mrs. Anthony at the front of the line. Heather was the 1st person in line. By this time it was already dark outside and the bugs were everywhere. I am not sure why, but Cindy and I were both looking right at Heather when a bug flew up her nose. It was a small bug but all the same...up her nose! She did not move from her position...she kind of sniffed and wiggled her nose but her hands did not leave her hips. Before I had a chance to look away Heather did the one quick cough and yep out came the bug!!! Out of her mouth! It was the funniest thing ever! To this day Cindy and I still talk about it.
Vicky (Nalls) Mobley; 1990 - 1993
I think my favorite story would be when we went to New Mexico and for some reason thought it was funny that everything was made from Adobe so we decided that every picture we took while we were there had this "A" sign that we made with our hands. It was actually really funny and the pictures are even funnier when someone asks - "what is that".
Shawnda (McDaniel) McAllister; 1994 - 1998
The New Orleans trip was a memorable trip that was taken during my Belle years, it was a competition trip which I can say we blew out of the water as we did most competitions. That trip was more than just a trip about competition it was about close friends, togetherness, teamwork, and memories. We were a family that worked together that strived for the same goals, and spent many waking hours sweating together, we worked hard and the hard work always paid off. One of the moments that stood out was where a couple of us were called out of an audience of people that were standing in line to board a ferry that was going to take us on a tour around the city, to be a part of a side show that was performing in front of the waiting people. The gentleman wanted us to help him with a trick, the trick was for him to swallow a sword and for me to pull it from his throat after one of the other Belles helped him to push it in. OH MY was I disgusted, I felt like I was going to get sick right there. It is funny what we remember from certain times in our lives, but I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I hope all current and future members will take it all in, and make some great memories, I can say that being on the Drill Team was a great part of my Middle School and High School years, and I wouldn't take any of it back, it was all worth it.
Virginia (Chattin) Acosta; 1988 - 1991
2000 - Today
My freshman year of high school we had a mother daughter dance. My older sister Valerie was also a Belle and was dancing with our mom. I asked Mrs. Anthony if my dad could dance with me instead, she said yes if dad wore a dress. So my dad being silly put on a sun dress with a hat and balloons in the chest. As embarrassing as it was to me to be on the front page of the local newspaper with your father in a dress...not many Belles can say that their father danced with them in the mother daughter dance while wearing a dress.
Vicki (Masters) Hawkins; 1996 - 2000
My favorite memory of Belles was the San Antonio competition at Fiesta Texas. Everyone went to the river walk and we ending up staying our way past curfew at Dick's Last Resort (with Mrs. Anthony of course). The good times plus the haunted hotel made for some great memories!
Hillary Harber; 2002 - 2006
It was my freshman year and we were at competition in South Padre. We were all riding horses on the beach and all of our horses were very laid back and sweet...except one. Lisa's horse was feisty and she was a little sketchy but she rode him anyway. After a little while, I was riding next to Kami and Kelly when all of a sudden a blur of a horse zoomed by us. It was Lisa and her horse, it had just decided to take off and she was screaming all the way. The guide went after her and finally stopped the horse and Lisa talked very badly about that horse the rest of the trip.
Cassie (Mahrer) Hall; 1996 - 2000
I loved my entire time on Belles. It was like a second family. There were times when we hated each other and more times when we supported and loved each other. The Blue Belles held me to a higher standard in school and pushed me to excel. I enjoyed every sweat filled practice and tear filled victory. I looked forward to the car washes, haunted houses, boot dries, pep rallies, and football games. I couldn't wait to get to the competitions and all the trips. Our Spring shows will forever be in my memories and our banquets were always exciting. I loved being on Blue Belles. I have a million stories ranging from the crazy happenings at the haunted houses we did to the sleepovers we would have, but my favorite story was when I was a Jr and a brand new officer. Three of us went to Huntsville to teach their team's summer camp. While it was fun teaching and dancing and seeing Huntsville, it was more than hilarious to see Mrs. Keck (aka, Mrs. Anthony) and her college friend (Mrs. Nettles) reenact a very weird modern dance they were a part of in college. My friend and I were rolling on the ground laughing. It made it some memorable.
Jamie Williams; 2000 - 2004
I had come home from twirling camp that fall and met a new friend when school started. Her name was Julie and she was a phenomenal dancer. She was teaching me to sharpen the dance moves I had learned. Well, other girls in PE saw us and wanted to learn too. So about 25 - 30 of us were practicing and we wanted the opportunity to perform at games and pep rallies. They asked me to go to Mr. Ford and ask if we did everything, uniforms, music and all, could we perform? He said yes and we could ride the cheerleader bus. So we practiced hard, made our own uniforms, choose our music - which was mostly military or Herb Alput and the TJB - and on Homecoming night in 1969, we performed for the first time.
Debbie (Wilkinson) Young; 1969 - 1970
I guess the story I tell everyone is that my sister Debra Wilkinson Young and Julie Bowers started the Blue Belles in 1969. They were so cute! They made up their own routines and made their own uniforms. They hand sewed the first banner... My favorite story is trying out for officer. I am not an outgoing person like my sister, but I was determined to do it. We had to make up our own routine and perform it alone (that was a big thing for me), but when I made officer I was so happy! Couldn't believe it either! I always loved to dance and that was my opportunity. I know that a lot of young girls are afraid to perform in front of others but with the program that Mrs. Anthony has you can be a part of everything and not have to perform. I can also guarantee you, if you perform that first time, you'll be hooked.
- Toni (Wilkinson) Douthit; 1971 - 1974
I have great memories of being in Blue Belles in the mid 70's. We were a small group but we had a great time together. The practices and the bus trips to the games were a lot of fun. I believe we were the first to start the floorshows. Our director, Mrs. Jean Baker, was tough, but we loved her, we called her mom. I believe she recorded some of our performances. I would love to see them now.
Lisa Forbes; 1974 - 1977
We went to summer camp at SMU and won several awards. Janis Carpenter Vaughn was our director. At camp we had an officers competition and the night before she made us go to the basement of the dorm and practice for what seemed like hours and hours. It wasn't until the wee hour of the morning, that we stopped. We had a blast. We were in the laundry room of the dorm and it was sooooooo hot.
Glenda O'Neill; 1970 - 1974
My freshman year Janice Carpenter was our director. She left during football season. We thought that we would no longer have a drill team at Quinlan High School. Then came a very special person, she had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she did it anyway. Jean Baker was one of the most influential people in my life. She really made the Blue Belles a team for many years. She always had a hug when you needed it. Thanks mom, I have never forgotten you.
Sandy(Ramsey)Dumire 1975 - 1978
Mrs. Baker was everyone's mom, she was supportive, inspirational, and beautiful. She instilled creativity, hope and that hard work has benefits and taught us to always hold you head up high and to remember that we were first and foremost a Belle. I loved the prayer circle before the games. We had garage sales and candy sales until we got enough money together to send the 1981 class to Ireland. She inspired me to teach for QSA and to treat each girl as though they were my very own and to find a unique talent in each one of them. I will always cherish and love them and the Belles.
Gail (McCasland) Henderson; 1977 - 1980
1980 - 1990
I have many happy memories from my years at Ford High School and as a member of the Blue Belles drill team. One of my favorite was performing at my first Belle floorshow in 1979 while still an eighth grader. It's been a few years, but I think I only performed in one routine. In addition to that first performance, it was at this floorshow I saw my future husband for the first time. He was in the band and I was a Belle. Vaughn and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in 2008. Just think...it all started at a Blue Belle floorshow. Another memory that stands out is performing and dancing to Grease before it became such a popular musical. Not only was it a musical, but we got to dance with the boys! What fun that was! I remember "Summer Loving" with Carrie singing the part of Olivia Newton John and Monty taking over John Travolta's part. My favorite was 'Greased Lightening'. Grease is still one of my favorite movies and brings back memories from high school every time I see it.
Tawanna (Piearce) Pumphrey; 1979 - 1982
The Mavricks game we performed at was great as was performing on the football field. Mrs. Baker was the greatest.
-Tammy (Jordan) Salinas, 1982 - 1985
The entire time I spent with the team was my favorite. We had the best director, she will always be a strong figure in my high school years.
- Diane (Rockey) Welte; 1981 - 1983
The trip to Ireland was FANTASTIC!! However, it was the support of Our little town that stuck with me throughout the years. They bought everything we sold and gave generously to our many fundraisers.
Carri (Herring) Stokes; 1978 - 1982
The floorshow "Dancin' Coast to Coast" was so much fun! With all my best friends - Samantha, Suzie, Lanell, Lisa, and Karen - it couldn't have been any better!
Veronica Arnold; 1985 - 1987
The Ireland trip was, of course, my most memorable time with Belles! I loved all competitions! We always "Brought down the house!"
Rhonda (Crow) Holdbrook
I don't have a specific story but the best thing about my time on Belles was the friends I made and all the fun I had. Camp at Kilgore, SMU, and UNT; competitions at Reunion Area, and the floorshows.
Lisa (Kessler) Vineyard; 1983 - 1987
Our trip to the Bahama's - the plane broke down and we barely made it to the ship as it was pulling away. We did not have any luggage until we docked in the Bahamas.
Sandy (Gordy) Walther; 1981 - 1985
I remember performing on the ship to the Bahamas during a storm and kicking a man's drink right out of his hand.
Vicki Leigh (Jones) Dozier; 1981 - 1984
Just the discipline and love I received during goo and bad times. The mom's that worked so hard for us and how hard we were willing to work. Camp after camp of bonding and first class performances at games, the Maverick games, and so many competitions. The lipstick, the red hats, the funny Belle guards knocking crickets off our legs while we couldn't move. Going to the Bahamas was the ultimate and getting my feet so sunburned that I couldn't put on my tap shoes. During the performance, the ship was moving and we were trying to kick and tap. We performed the minute we got our luggage that was lost on the plane! Dancing and going on a clear bottom boat with the awesome color of water and fish. Then there was all those parades, Ft Worth Stock Show parade, the Macy's parade, and Fair Park.
Leigh Ann (Wilson) Godfrey; 1982 - 1985
I'll never forget being a Blue Belle. Kristy, Karen, Regina, and Lisa were by far the most important people who kept me going when I was so tired of kicking that nice red hat. The crickets and mosquitos I would definitely like to forget, especially the ones in my ears. When I graduated and went on to become an East Texas State University Cheerleader, I realized that there was nothing that compared to being in the family of Belles.
Mionne (Devereaux) Camp; 1985 - 1987
During the Baker era, we were doing a cape routine. We were practicing on a Saturday. We were gliding across the gym floor in our stocking feet. I managed to fined a lone tack. Once the tack was implanted in my foot, I went down. The girls in front and behind me began to laugh. Mrs. Baker came down from the top of the bleachers and began to yell at me. I had to show her the tack, and the blood, for her to stop yelling at me. Then Mrs. Baker said, "From the beginning."
Vanessa (Green) Barrow; 1981 - 1985
1990 - 2000
My sophomore year the Blue Belles got the new uniforms. This was such a exciting time because these uniforms were so much more updated and were completely original. There were no other drill teams that had any uniforms close to ours. It was such a great feeling the first time that we performed in those uniforms. -Vickey (Frazier) Raduechel, 1990 - 1994
I remember the October leading up to our annual Halloween sleepover in the gym when Mrs. Keck (well, Mrs. Anthony) tried to convince us that we were being stalked by the Sunshine Kids Cult. She even had black roses sent to us. I think that was the same year the parents created a haunted house and hayride for us...One memory for me wasn't when I was a Belle, but when I was in 8th grade. The Belles came over to do a show for the middle school. One of the dances was the butterfly/wing dance. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a Belle. I remember being so moved by that dance. It was the most awesome thing I had ever seen!...On the way to officer camp the summer of 97, the bus caught on fire...Didn't Tracy pee on herself at one of our games? We started to make jokes about it and gave her diapers at Banquet...Frog and teddy bear umbrellas - enough said.
Jennifer (Cannon) Breland; 1994 - 1998
Do to some injuries Cindy and I were not able to perform at this particular football game. So we were standing with Mrs. Anthony at the front of the line. Heather was the 1st person in line. By this time it was already dark outside and the bugs were everywhere. I am not sure why, but Cindy and I were both looking right at Heather when a bug flew up her nose. It was a small bug but all the same...up her nose! She did not move from her position...she kind of sniffed and wiggled her nose but her hands did not leave her hips. Before I had a chance to look away Heather did the one quick cough and yep out came the bug!!! Out of her mouth! It was the funniest thing ever! To this day Cindy and I still talk about it.
Vicky (Nalls) Mobley; 1990 - 1993
I think my favorite story would be when we went to New Mexico and for some reason thought it was funny that everything was made from Adobe so we decided that every picture we took while we were there had this "A" sign that we made with our hands. It was actually really funny and the pictures are even funnier when someone asks - "what is that".
Shawnda (McDaniel) McAllister; 1994 - 1998
The New Orleans trip was a memorable trip that was taken during my Belle years, it was a competition trip which I can say we blew out of the water as we did most competitions. That trip was more than just a trip about competition it was about close friends, togetherness, teamwork, and memories. We were a family that worked together that strived for the same goals, and spent many waking hours sweating together, we worked hard and the hard work always paid off. One of the moments that stood out was where a couple of us were called out of an audience of people that were standing in line to board a ferry that was going to take us on a tour around the city, to be a part of a side show that was performing in front of the waiting people. The gentleman wanted us to help him with a trick, the trick was for him to swallow a sword and for me to pull it from his throat after one of the other Belles helped him to push it in. OH MY was I disgusted, I felt like I was going to get sick right there. It is funny what we remember from certain times in our lives, but I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I hope all current and future members will take it all in, and make some great memories, I can say that being on the Drill Team was a great part of my Middle School and High School years, and I wouldn't take any of it back, it was all worth it.
Virginia (Chattin) Acosta; 1988 - 1991
2000 - Today
My freshman year of high school we had a mother daughter dance. My older sister Valerie was also a Belle and was dancing with our mom. I asked Mrs. Anthony if my dad could dance with me instead, she said yes if dad wore a dress. So my dad being silly put on a sun dress with a hat and balloons in the chest. As embarrassing as it was to me to be on the front page of the local newspaper with your father in a dress...not many Belles can say that their father danced with them in the mother daughter dance while wearing a dress.
Vicki (Masters) Hawkins; 1996 - 2000
My favorite memory of Belles was the San Antonio competition at Fiesta Texas. Everyone went to the river walk and we ending up staying our way past curfew at Dick's Last Resort (with Mrs. Anthony of course). The good times plus the haunted hotel made for some great memories!
Hillary Harber; 2002 - 2006
It was my freshman year and we were at competition in South Padre. We were all riding horses on the beach and all of our horses were very laid back and sweet...except one. Lisa's horse was feisty and she was a little sketchy but she rode him anyway. After a little while, I was riding next to Kami and Kelly when all of a sudden a blur of a horse zoomed by us. It was Lisa and her horse, it had just decided to take off and she was screaming all the way. The guide went after her and finally stopped the horse and Lisa talked very badly about that horse the rest of the trip.
Cassie (Mahrer) Hall; 1996 - 2000
I loved my entire time on Belles. It was like a second family. There were times when we hated each other and more times when we supported and loved each other. The Blue Belles held me to a higher standard in school and pushed me to excel. I enjoyed every sweat filled practice and tear filled victory. I looked forward to the car washes, haunted houses, boot dries, pep rallies, and football games. I couldn't wait to get to the competitions and all the trips. Our Spring shows will forever be in my memories and our banquets were always exciting. I loved being on Blue Belles. I have a million stories ranging from the crazy happenings at the haunted houses we did to the sleepovers we would have, but my favorite story was when I was a Jr and a brand new officer. Three of us went to Huntsville to teach their team's summer camp. While it was fun teaching and dancing and seeing Huntsville, it was more than hilarious to see Mrs. Keck (aka, Mrs. Anthony) and her college friend (Mrs. Nettles) reenact a very weird modern dance they were a part of in college. My friend and I were rolling on the ground laughing. It made it some memorable.
Jamie Williams; 2000 - 2004