After they traveled on their annual trip to Kilgore, Texas to watch the popular Kilgore College Rangerettes, the Silver Stars dance team had an experience to remember despite the COVID-19 restrictions. Lots of memories and stories were made from this dance tradition. 

According to senior dance captain Madi Scirto, the dance team is inspired by the Rangerettes, so the coaches arrange tickets for the dancer’s every year. 

“We have always loved getting tickets every year to go learn more about them and their traditions that we could bring to our team,” Scirto said. 

Before the pandemic started, the Rangerettes would host a dinner and a tour of their museum. However, it has restricted the activities this year by only allowing them to watch the performance. 

“I love the tradition of going to Kilgore because it is interesting to see the drill team that we are based off of,” Scirto said. “It is fun to travel with my friends and coaches.” 

According to sophomore Ella Quinlan, her first trip to Kilgore was an experience that she will never forget. 

“It was definitely really fun, and I think the team as a whole really bonded from the bus ride down, the restaurant, and the actual show,” Quinlan said. 

Usually Kilgore is the dance team’s first bonding activity for the new team after tryouts; however, the pandemic restricted the team from going last year. 

“I think that on the bus ride, we all started sharing stories and really bonding,” Quinlan said, “I feel like we haven’t had much of that this year because of COVID-19.”

For Quinlan, watching the Rangerettes perform was her favorite memory from this experience. 

“I think the finale was definitely my favorite part because they high-kicked for a very long amount of time, way longer than we do in our halftime performances,” Quinlan said. 

After this trip, Quinlan feels inspired for next year. 

“I feel like it’s very important that the team used to travel to Kilgore in the beginning of the year because it inspired everyone,” Quinlan said. 

“I love the tradition of going to Kilgore because it is interesting to see the drill team that we are based off of,” Scirto said. “It is fun to travel with my friends and coaches.”