From the Sept 15, 2001 Baytown Sun
Lee honors beloved Brigadiers
By MATIHEW COOK
Staff writer
A full house at Stallworth Stadium arrived Friday night for the Lee/Clear Brook football game and to also honor seven decades of Lee Brigadiers, as the Brigadiers would be no more.
The crowd was on its feet during halftime to honor the seven decades of Lee Brigadiers, some of whom came as far away as Canada, who reunited on the field.
The crowd applauded as Brigadiers from each decade were led onto the field by uniform-wearing members of the 2000-2001 Brigadiers. Women in their late teens and early 20s joined women in there 70s and 80s on the field, all united by their common experience.
The Brigadiers, Lee High School’s all-girl drum and bugle corps and school’s pride from 1930 to 2000, was disbanded this year because of a lack of student participation.
However, more than 1000 former members, including some of the founding members, returned to unite on the football field.
The announcer told the crowd that the loss of the Brigadiers was somewhat bittersweet. “While we are saddened by the loss, it gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the Brigadiers,” he said. The Lee High School band played “Taps” to honor Brigadiers who have passed away.
Barbara Sultis, superintendent of Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District and a former Brigadier, offered a few remarks to the Brigadiers and the crowd.
“Who could forget trying out for the Brigadiers,” Sultis asked her fellow members. “Who could forget bringing something special for that secret someone? Who could forget marching on those cold winter nights?”
Following Sultis’ remarks, a hushed silence fell over the crowd as the Brigadiers sang their corps song. The silence was shattered only by the long, hard applause from the crowd at the song’s end.
Patsy (Stoerner) Sharp, Class of 1948, said standing on the field again brought back memories.
“When you get old, those are very good things that come into your life:’ she said.
Mary Jo (Lilly) Budd, of Pasadena, Class of 1947, said she was glad to participate.
“It was wonderful. It was so great to see all of our girls again’ she said.
Some members of the Brigadiers expressed regret that the program was ending.
“We love this school,” said Betty Harrison, Class of 1949. “We’re sorry to see this end.”
Joan Wilson, of Rye, Texas, Class of 1949, simply said, “We love the Brigadiers and it’s part of our lives.”
Sitting: Marlene Roe, Margaret Blasingame, Ms B (Director), Harolyn Pickett
