The lights are bright, but their smiles are brighter. The grass is slick as the rain pours, but they hold their poles tight. The wind is pushing, but they stand stronger. Then the music plays, and the audience’s ears listen. But the eyes, the audience’s eyes watch the guard. The color guard.  

The PLHS’s color guard is about to start up again ready for a new season with the marching band, and they need recruits. The color guard coach held a clinic on March 2nd ,2019, where anyone who wanted to know what color guard was all about could come and see. 

Some people may not know what color guard is or what color guard does. With all the costumes, makeup, and equipment, it can be confusing to know. People see them out on the field or in the gym practicing. Some may even see them practicing outside the school itself. 

“Color guard is a group of people who spin flags and weapons,” Senior Nicole Luna said, “[Color guard] typically plays with the marching band or by itself.” 

Every member of color guard has a different story to tell of their adventure. When new members come, some tell their story to help give an idea of how guard really is. New friends are made and when the season starts up again, they get to see each other again. 

“I made a lot of friends and it was an amazing experience” Freshman Kami Lichtas said. “And it was nice having support outside of guard.” 

The clinic wasn’t just so old members could catch up with each other, it was for possible new recruits to get the basics before tryouts. The clinic is so everyone from any grade could get the grip of color guard’s season. From seventh to twelve graders got to know and help each other. 

“It was great because we got to meet the possible new members.” Lichtas said. “It was fun for me and fun to meet up with old color guard friends and our coach Sam.” 

Being a part of the team is very important for some. Color guard becomes their lifestyle and the thing they look forward to in their high school days. Some members will try their best not just to show off but to help the team. 

“If I make it I would practice every day and I would just try to keep the spirits up” Lichtas said. “I would just help others who are struggling and have fun with it, and help others have fun with color guard too.” 

With the new members in confusion, the older guard members were assigned to assist and teach the new members. Helping the new members is essential for both parties. The new members get to understand the moves better and the old members get to teach and go back to the basics after a long break of waiting for the next season. Everyone is waiting and anxious for the upcoming season this year but, they know whatever happens, it will be fun together as a team.