Mrs. Jean Baker was a phenomenal woman who left her mark on the Quinlan-Ford Blue Belles and Quinlan ISD. Mrs. Baker was the Blue Belles director from 1975 - 1983 and is responsible for a lot of the "firsts" for the team. She created the floorshow, now called a spring show, introduced the iconic red hats (that she took with her to Trinity Valley Community College), directed the first team to compete at competition and earning all division 1 ratings, was the director of the first Grand Champion competition team, and was the first to travel with the Belles overseas, traveling to Ireland and the Bahamas.
Mrs. Baker is remembered and loved by many who called her director. Some memories from our archives include:
Mrs. Baker left Quinlan and went on to be the director of the Trinity Valley Community College Cardettes. There, she was just as influential, sharing her love for drill team. She will be missed by many. From the Blue Belle Alumni, our thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the rest of the Baker family. #Once A Belle, Always A Belle!!!
Mrs. Baker is remembered and loved by many who called her director. Some memories from our archives include:
- "Our director, Mrs. Jean Baker, was tough, but we loved her, we called her mom!" - Lisa Forbes; 1974 - 1977
- "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 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. 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." - Gail (McCasland) Henderson; 1977 - 1980
Mrs. Baker left Quinlan and went on to be the director of the Trinity Valley Community College Cardettes. There, she was just as influential, sharing her love for drill team. She will be missed by many. From the Blue Belle Alumni, our thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the rest of the Baker family. #Once A Belle, Always A Belle!!!