Under the direction of their passionate captains, Allison Thibault (Coach) Layla Carlos (Head Captain), Charlotte Overly (Weapons Captain), and Kaleigh Omori (Assistant Captain), and team manager Harry Evenson, the Color Guard team at Shadow Ridge has been tirelessly rehearsing for months, perfecting their routines and choreography. Their performances feature a captivating blend of dance, flag work, and theatrical elements, which always leaves the audience in awe.
“We practice in the cafeteria, gym, or on the field generally Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Practices start with stretching and conditioning, and then we work on dance, equipment such as flags and rifles and sabres, and finally we work on learning and cleaning choreography.” Coach Thibault says, “Practices are fun and cover a lot of information in a short amount of time. They do require quite a bit of focus and effort from the team, but they rise to the challenge every time!”
Thibault joined Color Guard in 2008 as a freshman in high school. She says, “I loved that it combines dance, drama, and athleticism with storytelling. The shows are incredibly fun and moving to watch!”
She has coached Shadow Ridge’s Color Guard program since last school year, July 2023.
“Coaching can be a demanding and challenging job. There are many different aspects that have to be kept track of, many different people and personalities to work with, and lots of students to support. You have to keep your eye on the big picture and decide how to move the team forward on a daily basis. However, even with its challenges it is one of the most rewarding jobs and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Being able to help young performers gain confidence and learn new skills is super fulfilling.”
Thibault expressed her pride in the team’s hard work. “Our Color Guard team is an incredible group of talented, kind, ambitious performers and I am incredibly grateful to work with them. They are excellent at their activity, and they work incredibly hard to maintain a high level of skill!” she stated.
Their achievements mark a significant milestone for the team, which has been working diligently to elevate their performance level over the past few years.
Parents and fellow students always fill the stands, waving banners and cheering loudly for their team. The palpable school spirit was a testament to the strong community that surrounds Shadow Ridge High School’s Color Guard program.
The team is looking forward to more competitions and opportunities to showcase their talent. With their sights set on state championships, the Color Guard is determined to continue honing their craft and inspiring others through their performances.
The Shadow Ridge Color Guard team has proven that with passion, teamwork, and perseverance, they can create beautiful art that transcends the stage. Their journey is one to watch as they continue to shine and make their mark on the world of color guard.
