Football halftime performances are just around the corner, and Pilot Point’s fine arts department is ready to take it on.
The fine arts department showed the audience what they have in store at the collaborative End of Summer Showcase with performances from the Mighty Bearcat Band, the high school cheerleaders and the new Kick Cats drill team.
“I'm excited for this season,” Director of Bands Daniel Balkema said. “They're going to show a lot of talent as we move through the next couple [of] months.”
The Pilot Point drill team made their return to the field in front of an audience after a long hiatus.
Pilot Point High School English teacher and dance coach Jenna Lawson had the idea to bring the drill team back to life.
“It's very exciting, I think that adds a layer to the nervousness, knowing that there are some expectations, some shoes we've got to fill, and some people we have to make proud,” Lawson said. “But we're excited to do it, and the girls are really excited.”
During the Kick Cats' debut performance, the Pilot Point cheerleaders applauded the team with every high kick.
“I hope that this first year kind of sets it off, and we can keep it continuing and growing, and it can be another great tradition of Pilot Point,” Lawson said.
As the band students marched to their places, Balkema shared some band highlights.
“This year we had $14,000 raised in sponsorships from our gracious community that goes directly back to our students and the program,” Balkema said.
The band performed a part of their 2026 UIL marching show and played some other tunes, including the fight song.
Afterward the band broke into celebration after successfully finishing their routine.
“They actually set the bar for this performance, and so, moving up every time is the idea, and we're excited,” Balkema said.
Cheer coach Maycee Stuckly was excited for the collaboration and is ready to get the season started, same as her girls.
“I know they're really excited for game day,” Stuckly said. “I am just excited for all the pep rallies, all the spirit they're going to bring.”
High school Principal Marzia Infante was left speechless by all the performances as she watched and recorded.
“This was amazing,” Infante said. “I was blown away by the Kick Cats, the band, like, everything put together, it was phenomenal.”
The fine arts departments are each excited to bring their talents to the field, as the first football game of the season is on Friday at Massey Stadium against Peaster High School.
