Former Lake Highlands Highlandette director Shannon Harty Carlton has been hired to lead the drill team at Highland Park High. As director of the Highland Belles, she’ll report directly to former LHHS principal, Walter Kelly.

“Shannon has a history of excellence in leading dance and drill teams, beginning with her days as a Rangerette and extending through her experience as the director of some of the top high school programs in Texas,” said Kelly. Carlton was captain of the Rangerettes while in college, and she currently serves as director of the Richardson High Desperados, their country and western dance team modeled after the Wildcat Wranglers.

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Carlton replaces Belle director Christie Crummel, who announced her resignation in April. Crummel was involved in a dust-up with a couple of seniors on her squad who reportedly violated her rule against dressing up for Goth Day in October. According to the Park Cities People, the girls’ parents filed a police report and threatened to sue after Crummel allegedly shoved one of the girls.

Luckily, Carlton’s career in Lake Highlands was drama-free. Once again, HP has hired an outstanding employee from the training grounds of Richardson ISD.