Feel Good Story: THS Cougar Charms Celebrate 50 Years of Tradition and Excellence

Feel Good Story: THS Cougar Charms Celebrate 50 Years of Tradition and Excellence
October 3, 2025

This Homecoming week is extra special at Tomball High School as the Cougar Charms Dance Program celebrates a remarkable 50th anniversary. Leading the team through this milestone is current Director Brittany Huebner, a 2005 THS alumna whose connection to the Charms runs deep—not just through her own experience, but through her family’s legacy.

“It’s really special to share this program with my mom,” Huebner said. “I was three years old when we moved to Tomball, and she became the director of the Cougar Charms. Charms has been my life and all I’ve known for many years. Growing up, I watched her lead the team with dedication and passion, and now I get to do the same while my own children are growing up with the same experiences. It truly feels full circle.”

Huebner has been directing the Charms for 14 years, and together with her mother, the Melton-Huebner family has guided the program for 24 of its 50 years. “Beyond our family, we hope our leadership has helped inspire countless young women to grow, learn, and cherish being a Charm as much as we do,” she said.

Reflecting on her time as a student, Huebner noted the dramatic growth of Tomball. “Back then, we were the only high school, there wasn’t even a freeway running through town, and if you said you were at 4 Corners or passing Stop-N-Go, everyone knew exactly where you meant. Now, Tomball has grown so much, with each school carrying on its own traditions while still sharing that same hometown pride.”

The Cougar Charms have evolved alongside the school. Founded in 1975 as the Tam O’Shanters by Susan Pace, the program was renamed the Cougar Charms in 1980 under director Karen Julian. Over the decades, the team’s look, style, and skill level have changed—from bonnets to top hats, sequins to velvet, and basic drill routines to highly technical dance performances—while maintaining the program’s heart and dedication to excellence.

“This program is so much more than a place to dance,” Huebner said. “It is a home where students build lifelong friendships, gain confidence, and learn teamwork and responsibility. For the community, the Charms bring people together—especially through our annual dance clinic, which draws more than 300 students from Pre-K through 9th grade, giving them the unforgettable experience of performing under the Friday Night Lights.”

This year’s reunion celebration promises to be a highlight of Homecoming week, with around 100 alumni expected to return to the field. “There is something so special about watching former Charms step back under the lights and relive those moments. For many, it will be their first time in our new stadium, which makes the experience even more exciting,” Huebner said.

Huebner sees Homecoming week as a bridge between past, present, and future. “It’s a time to celebrate traditions, reconnect with friends, and share in the excitement and pride that make Tomball High so special. Whether we’re dancing at the pep rally, walking in the parade, or lighting up the field at halftime, our goal is to get everyone excited and proud to be a Tomball Cougar.”

When asked what she hopes students take away from being part of the program, Huebner emphasized the life lessons learned alongside the dance skills. “I want them to leave knowing they were part of something bigger than themselves and to feel proud of the skills, lessons, and experiences the program has given them.”

For past, present, and future Charms, her message is simple: “Thank you for being part of such a special legacy. Enjoy every moment, give it your all, and know that being a Charm is about more than just dance. It’s about forming lasting friendships, making unforgettable memories, and being part of a bond that lasts a lifetime.”

As Tomball High School celebrates 50 years of Cougar Charms, the program’s history, spirit, and impact are clear—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.