This year, Franklin High School has started the winter guard team back up after going a few years without offering the sport. The FHS winter guard team is called La Isla Bonita. Winter guard performs dance choreography with things like flags, rifles, and sabers and accompanies the marching band and cheer teams to support other school sports teams.
With tryout evaluations out of the way, it looks like a bright start for this year’s guard. Although there are only a few students on the team and several are brand new to the sport, the new La Isla Bonita members said they plan to strive to be the best they can be.
The first competition La Isla Bonita participated in was on Feb 10, which brought lots of nerves and excitement to the team.
“I feel … excited. I haven’t done this in a while and I’m very ecstatic and very happy to continue doing it this year,” said Demetrius Green (12). ”[I’m] excited to travel to different schools … to show everyone else our show.”
Traveling to different schools can be quite scary, but the team said they have lots of confidence in themselves. So far they’ve traveled to two schools in Modesto.
“I wanna get trophies. At least one,” said Orlando Parra (12), the captain of the team. “I think we got it … I think we’re confident enough.”
Yeslin Ramirez (11), said she feels like a ballerina when practicing and performing for winter guard. She has high hopes for this year, just like everyone else.
“This is my first year doing Winter Guard and I’m kinda nervous [about] how everything will turn out,” said Ramirez. “I would say it comes with a lot of practice … and dedication.”
Multiple team members stated that teamwork, friendship, and bonding are essential for a good team and overall a good season. It would be hard to give it your all without those elements.
“Give it a shot … if you’re bad that’s okay; you can just get better,” said Parra. “It takes time.”
The team faces three more competitions in the coming months, and La Isla Bonita is ready.