FROM THE VAULTS
Pasadena High School Marching Band & Drill Team, April 8, 1965 (Captions: Pasadena High School Marching Band & Drill Team, April 8, 1956; Photograph – J. Allen Hawkins; J. Allen Hawkins Collection, JAH-25067)
Joanne Owens taught physical education and health at PHS from 1955 to 1990.
By Jeannette Bovard
Owens started her career as a dancer at the age of four. At Whittier High School, she became a varsity cheerleader, and later she was the first female cheerleader at Pasadena City College. She graduated from UCLA in 1955 and began a career as a teacher.
When PHS principal Gladys Edward suggested starting a drill team in 1955, Joanne was the perfect choice to serve as its instructor. For the next 25 years, she directed the 51-member drill team known as the “Long Red Line” for its signature red dresses and white gloves.
Over the years, the team won awards and accolades and performed with the Los Angeles Rams and Dodgers, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Colts, and in Switzerland.
You can view additional images from the Hawkins Collection online in the virtual exhibition, “Frozen Frames,” on the PMH website.
There is no way that photo is from 1956 when it was clearly taken at the current site of Pasadena High School, which was opened in 1960…
GO BIG RED!
Hi Doug,
It’s been corrected. Thank you for reaching out.