The John Marshall Lawyerettes were founded in the Spring of 1956 by the head of the girls' physical education department, Mrs. Ethel Rippon. Under Mrs. Rippon's direction, the Hi-Stepping Squad was called the Rhythmettes.  In their early carnation, the squad consisted of fifty girls and were considered a Hi-Stepping Drill Team Squad. They practiced their routines Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays during the tenth period of their school day.

The Rhythmettes entertained at half-time during ALL Varsity football and basketball games. This was a first for Cleveland's John Marshall High School.  However, over the next several years the squad was scaled down to 17-members who contributed to the color of the John Marshall Athletic teams. The squad's performance of precision marching techniques and dance routines to the beats of the John Marshall High School Marching Band were and still are ELECTRIC.

Members were selected during try outs held during the Spring Semester. Since the Rhythmettes represented John Marshall High School, the individual qualities of scholarship, character, and dependability were important factors in selecting squad members. They were also judged on their ability to respond to commands, performance, and overall appearance while performing.