Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur closed in 2002. But, while the school no longer exists, the memories of the high school are still alive.
The school's elite corps, The Red Hussars, have continued the tradition throughout the years.
The first all-girl drum and bugle corps in the state of Texas, once marched down the football field. They're now practicing to march down Procter Street for Mardi Gras.
"For Mardi Gras, we start after Christmas, the weekend after Christmas and we march until the weekend of the parade," says Christel Chamberlain, with the Red Hussars Alumni Association.
Dozens of women practice every weekend to prepare for Saturday's parade. Seeing the crowds cheering them on, brings them back to their high school days.
"I get tears in my eyes. I'm very emotional about the Red Hussars. When you hit Procter Street, you can hear everybody yelling and screaming for us. It's awesome," says Chamberlain.
The Red Hussars Alumni Association has participated in the Mardi Gras parade for 18 years. They also participate in community events throughout the year.
