The Whitehouse High School's First Ladies drill team took part in performances on Sept. 27 that marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the drill team. (Joey Corbett/Freelance) 

The Whitehouse High School First Ladies drill team marked its 50th anniversary with a special halftime performance on homecoming night, Sept. 27, at Wildcat Stadium.

Former First Ladies and Kittenettes, the drill team’s name prior to becoming First Ladies, filled the field and danced again for Wildcat fans. The crowd roared with praise as 155 women performed.

Kayla Norman, the drill team’s current director, began the process a few years ago of creating an alumni organization. A Facebook page was launched inviting former members to join the “Forever” group. The word quickly spread and over the past two years, 275 former members have reunited. 

Earlier this year, the invitation went out to former members through Facebook, to come for the 50th anniversary celebration. Nearly 130 Forevers joined the line of 32 members and performed a streamer routine.

Smiles were on the faces of the former members as they revisited their days of past performances on Wildcat field.

“It feels fantastic to be on a football field again,” Sarah Stauffer Taylor said. “And hearing that good ole’ Whitehouse Fight Song!”

The first Whitehouse High School drill team, named the Kittenettes, was formed under the direction of Doris Bunselmeyer. Her grandson, Brandon Carpenter, was on hand to represent her during the festivities. Also present were all the former directors of the Kittenettes and the First Ladies. They were Linda Johnson Rash, Kandas Dodd Babb, Cindy Nick, Amanda Sadler Wages and Shelly Johnston.

“We had no idea, at the time, of the legacy it would become,” Cathy Dintelman, member of the first Kittenettes line, said of the drill team in an earlier interview. “It was a dance team and it gave girls more opportunities to be involved. The skill level of what the girls are doing (now) is unbelievable to me.”

Karsen Conser, current captain of the Kilgore College Rangerettes, was a First Lady from 2014 to 2018.

“Being a First Lady shaped me into who I am today,” Conser said. “It taught me a lot about working with others, time management and so many life lessons that I know will benefit me in the future.

I’ve kept up with many of my friends from First Ladies,” she continued. “It’s just great to see them again.”

Jennifer Moose Eckles was a member of the team the first year of the name change in 1980. 

Eckles’ mother was a Kittenette and her daughter was captain of the First Ladies this past school year. She is now a Kilgore College Rangerette.

“You know, it’s just so special that we all got to experience this,” Eckles said. “We all danced on that same field and here we are again. The memories are just priceless. I wish the night could last forever.”

Eckles has served as Norman’s right hand through this year of preparation for the anniversary event.

“The Forevers sent in so many pictures and stories,” Eckles said. “We created 40 memory boards of those for everyone to enjoy.”

Eckles and Norman could not say enough about the enormous support of the community and the Whitehouse ISD administration. More honors came in the way of resolutions and proclamations from the Smith County Commissioners Court and the city of Whitehouse.

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