By Christina M. Wright, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — Those celebrating and grieving at Highland High School’s last home basketball game Saturday night would’ve been justified in recalling a play they may have read in class, about star-crossed teenagers and the pain of their forced separation.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow,” Juliet said to Romeo.
“It’s bittersweet,” said student teacher Joel Good, repeating the most-used sentimental word of the night. “It’s great to see everyone come out and be recognized, but it’s sad to see a tradition like this come to an end.”
Highland’s athletic director and administration packed the Saturday night game – which served more as background noise – with highlights of the school’s traditions and athletic achievements, presenting current and past staples.
The biggest showing occurred when more than 50 current and past cheerleaders gathered on center court to perform the school song routine. Women ranging in age from 16 to 56 led the school in the authentically Scottish fight song.
“It brought back so many memories just being out there,” said Gina Leonard, a cheerleader from the Class of 1980.
The most senior cheerleader, wearing a red sweater with her old Highland letter, was Rhonda Kimm. From the Class of 1971, Kimm said she enjoyed the routine, even though she joked her bum knee begged her not to.
“It’s just so sad that it’s the last time for anyone,” she said.
Highland High School was recently selected as the high school that must close because of strains on the Anderson Community Schools’ budget. The building will become a middle school next year, but will keep the Scottish theme that alums are so proud of.
“The sentiment is that they’re at least keeping the colors,” said Leonard. “But it’s an end to an era.”
After the cheerleader spectacle, the Scots’ coach of 33 years was recognized with sentiments from administrators and an inscribed plaque. Visibly emotional, Cheryl Fuller said she enjoyed the moment.
“It was Highland’s fans, athletes and cheerleaders that got us through that year,” Fuller said of the year her husband, Bob Fuller, died of a heart attack while coaching a Highland basketball game. “I just owe my gratitude to them.”
The pre-game ceremonies were dedicated to the band and auxiliary. Past mascots, band members, color guard and drum majors joined current students to show they still have it.
Following yet another Highland tradition, each current and past drum major spun and tossed his mace into the air, punctuated by crowd reactions. By far, the crowd favorite was Dave Hazen, Class of 1984, who threw his mace almost to the ceiling.
“I would like to tell you it was like being 18 again,” Hazen joked of his advanced years. “It’s just very fun to come back and see this energy because you don’t see this everywhere.”
The game was also a time for alumni to reunite and reminisce with old friends and faculty.
Hazen’s former band director John Parshall laughed with Hazen and remembered his incredible mace tosses from the ’80s.
“He used to scare me,” Parshall said. “When he was throwing those maces, it would hit the speakers.”
Even the more recent Highland graduates returned for the nostalgic night. Former drum major Jessica Rockhill, of the Class of 2007, joined a group of now-college friends to perform one last time.
“I didn’t know if everyone would recognize me because everyone is so much younger,” she said. “But when I got out there, it was great.”
And the tradition-packed night just had to include the pipers. Bagpipe-player Kelly Watson, Class of 2007, had her parents dig out her unique instrument for the night.
“It felt really good, but it was a little sad at the same time,” Watson said.
Despite the overwhelming alumni crowd, Highland’s current Scots could not be forgotten. Led by the pep squad, under the direction of junior Hayden Weaver, the students shouted out their school pride during every break.
“When they first made the decision, I was really depressed for, like, a whole week that I was going to have to go to my rival school for my final year,” 17-year-old Weaver said.
“Then I realized that now, I’m going to finish high school with all of the people I grew up with.”
Contact Christina M. Wright, 640-4883, christina.wright@heraldbulletin.com.
