Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
High schools are filled with tradition and pride, and this is no exception for the Buccaneers' majorettes, which have a long, rich history of legends. Their tradition goes back as far as Buccaneer nation can remember. So many young girls who grew up through Branford High School (BHS) looked up to their majorettes over the years. To see the young women they dreamed of being one day marching onto the field for halftime performances and marching in parades, was just as polarizing to them as the young boys who look up to and dream about putting on a Buccaneers jersey one day. However, the Buccaneers' majorettes legacy doesn't end at only BHS. Their reputation as one of the best squads in the area was unarguable. The Branford majorettes saw many BHS graduates go on to perform at the college ranks.
Therefore, it is only fitting that after 10 years of the program being shut down, the BHS majorettes are making a comeback. Each member of the 2022-23 majorettes understands the platform they have been given and the role they may play in younger girls' eyes. While it remains unclear as to their role throughout BHS, one thing is for certain; they will have the privilege of reigniting what was once one of the best programs in the area.
This year's team will be led by their sponsor, Tracy Combee, who is quick to give praise to BHS Principal Terry Huddleston. When Combee proposed the idea of bringing back the BHS majorettes, Huddleston jumped on board and gave her the OK. "I'm grateful Mr. Huddleston allowed us the opportunity to bring the program back. Without his support, these girls would not have the opportunity they will have this year," Combee said. She also gives great gratitude to June Stoeber for her help throughout the process of twirling camp and tryouts, coordinating judges, and choreographing several of the team's routines. Stoeber is a Gatorette coach and understands BHS' rich history with their majorettes. Therefore, she is honored to be involved in bringing back the Buccaneer's majorettes.