Dr. Ritchie Robertson, supervisor of music for Springfield Public Schools in the 1920’s, forever changed Central High School.
   He created music groups to enrich the lives of students and was inspired by the phrase “Teach a boy to blow a horn, and he won’t blow a safe.”
   At the time, female involvement in school activities was limited. Then, after forming numerous activities for boys, he was determined to make the same opportunity available to girls. From his Scottish heritage, he decided to establish the first all-girl drum and bugle corps in the United States. They performed for the first time in 1926 and were called Kilties.
   Initially, the Kilties were controversial. The uniforms alone caused uproar. Knee-length kilts that revealed the knees shocked spectators. Over time the community began to appreciate their talent. After donations from SPringfield citizens the corps purchased bugles, drums and bagpipes after using only drums for four years.
   “Once the Kilties were created, they were unstoppable,” said junior Taryn Yoakum, Kiltie auxiliary captain.     
   “We are committed to traditions like Scottish dance, song and dress. We also try to follow Dr. Robertson’s beliefs in giving back to our community and promoting school spirit.”
   The Highland Fling and Sword Dance are performed annually for Central’s Homecoming. The Highland Fling is said to have been danced to celebrate victories during battle. By not stepping on the swords, the majorette brings luck to Central’s football team for the Homecoming game. For Loyalty, they dance Shileighleigh with sticks to represent a battle. The Kilties honor all of their traditions with pride.
   “The Kiltie motto is ‘Once a Kiltie, always a Kiltie.’ We are sisters forever,” said junior Erin Couch. “My favorite tradition is singing and praying before each performance.”
   “I enjoy supper meetings,” said Kiltie senior Emily Whitten. “We all get together to share a meal as a family.”
   The Central Kilties have been a well-traveled group traveling all over the country and the city, they have performed for 86 years. President Harry Truman, President Gallegos of Venezuela, President George H.W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II are just a few of the people who have watched the beating of the drums, call of the trumpets and wail of the Kiltie bagpipes.
   Performances at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., the Orange Bowl Parade and in Disney World are a few examples of the Kilties’ achievements through the years.
   “You can tell that they are talented and successful because of all of their awards,” said junior Jonathan Richards.
   “Kilties is an awesome group of people who are like family. We work together to create something big and great,” said Couch, Kiltie snare drum captain. In addition to school performances at sporting events and assemblies, the Kilties also perform in parades throughout the year.
   This year they will march in over 30 parades. They will also travel to San Antonio, Texas, in the spring to perform.
    “This year, I am excited for the Springfield Christmas Parade, said senior Gracen Candie, Kiltie majorette. “There are a lot of alumni that attend and it is really important for the girls to be cheered on and encouraged by their community. We also really appreciated the support from Central at the Hello Day Assembly.”
   “The Kilties have been a long standing tradition at Central and I hope they will be forever,” said junior Tabitha Frey.