The Highland Belles were founded in 1983 after a group of girls petitioned the school board. The board originally believed that there was not enough interest in a drill team, but 2 years later there were enough girls who wanted to join. Mrs. Cathy Wheat became the sponsor of the new team. She had been a Kilgore Rangerette in college and had coached the drill team in Irving for 10 years before coming to Highland Park.

During the first year, 75 girls tried out with 33 making the team. Judges have always been used to make the decisions during tryouts in order to ensure that qualified girls will be on the team. No set number of girls is taken, so the size of the team varies widely from year to year.

Originally, the administration had a uniform designed that was a gold lame' bodysuit with sequined collar, a blue satin cape, and solid sequined hats. Mrs. Wheat designed the blue and gold fringed uniforms instead and presented one to the superintendent. They have been worn ever since.

Football season was already over by the time the first team was chosen, so the first appearance of the Belles was at the spring scrimmage. The team was immediately accepted, and received a standing ovation for their performance.

The team now performs at halftime at every football game, and also at several pep rallies and basketball games. The entire team attends a line camp each summer and competes in drill competitions each spring. The dance routines include military, jazz, pom, high kick, prop, and novelty selections.

The Belles did not have lieutenants until their second year. The lieutenant "strut" was choreographed by Mrs. Wheat who adapted it from the Kilgore Rangerettes routine. The lieutenants receive white uniforms and batons. These five officers lead the team in practice and performances. Each lieutenant is in charge of their own group of girls, and is responsible for teaching and critiquing the dances. Besides the lieutenants, there are five social officers who share all of the other leadership responsibilities of the team.

The style of dancing has changed over the years. The tempos have gotten faster and the turns and leaps more advanced but the tradition of excellence continues. the team.

Mrs. Wheat retired as the team director in 2005 and Ms. Christie Crummel is the current director.   

Previous Teams

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010