[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 64 (Thursday, April 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KILGORE COLLEGE RANGERETTES

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                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2015

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, the First District of Texas has been 
blessed as the birthplace of many remarkable individuals who have made 
notable contributions that have enriched lives well beyond the borders 
of Texas. One such example was born from a rather simple concept, yet 
grew into a worldwide movement. It is a great pleasure to stand in 
honor of the world famous collegiate drill team, the Kilgore College 
Rangerettes, as they celebrate their 75th anniversary this year.
  The Rangerettes have long been considered the personification of 
talent and precision, the standard of excellence which has sparked an 
estimated $8 billion industry and created more than fifty-thousand 
permanent jobs in the United States, according to one famed economist. 
The Rangerettes have inspired similar all-female dance drill teams, 
with an estimated 15,000 high school students and some 1,000 college 
students across the state of Texas taking part each year; while 
approximately 75,000 high school drill team members across the nation 
participate annually. The Rangerettes have been the impetus behind this 
major industry which has influenced lives and careers around the world.
  The precision dance team concept began in 1939, and came to fruition 
led by the incomparably talented Miss Gussie Nell Davis with their 
first halftime performance on September 15, 1940. The Rangerettes were 
originally intended to promote diversity among the student body at 
Kilgore College while also encouraging football fans to stay in their 
seats during halftime; but while effectively accomplishing these tasks, 
they also introduced something astoundingly innovative to the field of 
sports entertainment. This group of talented young women set into 
motion a revolutionary model for all future choreographed dance teams. 
Technical skill and absolute choreographed perfection, along with the 
incomparable high kick routines, characterized the Rangerettes' 
routines at their inception, and those words can still be used today to 
describe the captivating performances of these young women.
  The world renowned Rangerettes have toured the United States multiple 
times, performing for U.S. Presidential inaugurations, professional 
sports venues, nationally televised parades, collegiate bowl games, and 
even Indy 500 race events. They have been featured on television, in 
films, and in widely circulated magazines and newspapers. In addition 
to the notoriety they have experienced here in the United States, the 
Rangerettes have headlined several international tours which have 
allowed them to perform for massive numbers of enthusiastic fans on 
four continents and in countless cities worldwide.
  The commitment to preserving the legacy and rich heritage of the 
young women who have achieved the honor of being named a ``Rangerette'' 
does not end upon graduation, but is demonstrated through the 
continuing efforts of their Rangerettes Forever alumni organization. 
Rangerettes now and forever have enjoyed an accomplished and vibrant 
history of group performances and individual achievement, while 
bringing visibility and prestige to Kilgore College, east Texas and the 
State of Texas.
  It is a distinct privilege to honor this remarkable organization 
today since they have been so hard-working, motivational, & 
inspirational. Please join me in recognizing and congratulating the 
Kilgore College Rangerettes on their 75th anniversary, a milestone now 
recorded in this Congressional Record which will endure as long as 
there is a United States of America.

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