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RAYMOND – Bekah King of Pearl has come home to �²���.

A Hi-Stepper in 2013-2015 and head captain her sophomore year, she takes over as the third Director in the 75-year history of the �²��� Hi-Steppers.

“These were two of the best years of my life, and I hope I can provide the best experience for my students each year,” she said.

Previously, she had been serving part-time for two years as Colorguard Director for the �²��� marching band. At the same time, she was teaching second grade at Northside Elementary in Pearl and taught Pearl High School’s Colorguard for eight years.

“I hope to continue growing both programs, Hi-Steppers and Colorguard. I want to recruit people who are passionate about the arts and who want to continue to grow as performers,” she said.

“It was a hard decision to leave my second grade classroom after six years. I feel such a strong connection to �²���, and I truly believe in helping young people reach their career goals through community college,” King said.

After �²���, she continued into the Delta State University 2+2 program and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education.

She was a member of the MS Lions All-State Band and traveled all over the world (Canada, Hawaii, Germany, Austria). She was a Phantomette with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in 2015 and 2016.

“One of my proudest moments was when I was with the MS Lions All-state band. We traveled to Hawaii to perform in a parade. While in Hawaii, we had the opportunity to perform on Pearl Harbor on July 4th. I was able to take a picture with and listen to incredible stories from a Pearl Harbor survivor,” she said.

Anna Cowden Bee, the first Director of the Hi-Steppers, served for 55 years, beginning in 1953 and retiring in 2007. She passed away in 2013. Angela Hite replaced her, serving as director from 2007 until retiring in April 2024.

The Hi-Steppers are a precision dance and drill team and perform at �²��� football shows, in parades and other venues. Learn more at /histeppers.

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With six campuses in central Mississippi, �²��� is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.

Our Mission: �²��� is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Our Vision: �²��� will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Our Values: �²��� aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit or call 1.800.�²���CC.