The Sherman Hi-Steppers celebrated their 60th anniversary this month, and they couldn’t let the opportunity pass without a reunion performance.

Seventy-three former Hi-Steppers participated in a performance at the October 6 football game, with graduation years ranging from 1965 to 2023; a turnout Coach Nicole Funderburg never expected.

“It was so fun seeing all the small groups reunite; it was as if the time between them never stopped,” Funderburg said. “They talked, danced, and took photos like they were back in high school.”

Jeana Parsons, Class of ‘99, was on the drill team with her sister while attending Sherman High School. Now her niece carries on their Hi-Stepper legacy.

“This was a huge part of high school for us,” Parsons said.”So to be part of this, I can’t even describe how nostalgic all this has been.”

The alumni met for several practices before their halftime performance, where they got to relive the glory days of high school and high-kicks. Getting to take part in old traditions and experience new ones made it all more memorable to Patricia Smith, Class of ‘90.

“Their uniforms are a lot nicer than ours were,” Smith said. “I think it’s so cool that the girls now get to keep their hats!”

Funderburg has been with the district for six years, and says while she isn’t a former Bearcat or Hi-Stepper, seeing decades of Hi-Steppers come together to learn a routine and perform it at Bearcat Stadium was a memorable experience.

“For me, this meant being able to connect with people in our community who I may not have been able to connect with before,” Funderburg said. “I’m so glad we made this happen, and I’m looking forward to future events with our alumni!”

“Drill team is a close-knit group,” Parsons said. “So to see them all again and do what we love has been a blessing.”

The reunion weekend also included a group breakfast the next day and a visit to the Sherman Ex Students Museum.