When Hilda-Gay Mayberry won the title of Miss Majorette of America in 1952, baton twirling was emerging as one of the nation’s fastest-growing youth activities. The annual competition brought together some of the country’s finest majorettes, and the winner became an ambassador for the sport during an era when marching bands and halftime entertainment were central to American culture.

One of the most recognizable images of Mayberry shows her posing beside the towering Miss Majorette of America trophy. Although the trophy appears enormous, the photograph was likely created using forced perspective or a studio composite, making the award seem much larger than life. It became one of the iconic promotional images associated with the title during the early 1950s.

Mayberry, a mother of 8, is in her 90s and still involved in the twirling world through her alma mater, University of Louisville.