NC Winter Guard has made substantial progress over the past three years: Two years ago they placed 26th out of 27 color guards at championships, and last year they won 3rd place at championships and received medals. This year the judges decided NC’s winter guard should move up from double A to single A, the level they lacked confidence in due to a crushing blow last time.

“We were scared that we would get last at every competition. Moving forward we just focused on doing our best and having fun,” said  senior Charli Dunlap.

Championships occurred on March 28th and 29th, and before their Kell competition the winter guard received news that delighted many. Class one A split into two groups of 10 this year since too many guards were placed in that class. This lifted a huge weight off of the winter guard’s shoulders and set them up to perform well in the competition, despite their hesitance and anxiety.

“We were really happy to hear that the A class would be split into two groups, even though the group we were in did not get a trophy for first place,” said senior Sarah Gakobo.

Despite injury and changes in the show, the performance at championships ended in success. The winter guard placed 8th (not last) and celebrated their small victory. The Winter Guard season ended, but the color guard remains proud of their small victory.

“As a senior this year, I was hoping for a medal, but once we moved up a level I knew that was most likely unacheivable. Now I am just happy that I got to share this wonderful season with such wonderful people,” said senior Lucy Clay.