The 2024 Color Guard tryouts had 16 students tryout and 9 make the team. Morgan Semerad, a Music teacher at Schuyler Central High School, has been the SCHS Color Guard coach for about 4 years. Ms. Semerad shared that she had three people helping her judge; Yoana Contreras and Monserrath Dearcos, two former Color Guard members, and Alex Aldana, a current student of hers. Ms. Semerad explained that the students trying out are judged based on how well they performed their routine. Each score was a total of 44 points. The 9 students with the highest score made the team. In addition to that, she had students fill out teacher evaluations which helped “see what kind of students we were trying out,” explained Ms. Semerad. The 9 students were; Maria Williams 9, Gaby Quezada 9, Yarixa Guzman 10, Analia Aldana 10, Areli Arellano 11, Destheny Ortega 12, Erika Diego 12, Alex Rogriguez 12, and Yamilet Ortiz 12. Upcoming grades are listed behind their names.
Alex Rodriguez, a junior at SCHS, has been in Color Guard since he was a sophomore. He shared that “we all have different styles and are unique in their own ways.” Alex explained that he thinks the new Color Guard team is going to be “fun.” Alex commented that he will be looking forward to more afternoon practices. “I can’t wait to make memories with them all,” shared Alex.
Ms. Semerad shared that her goals for the 24-25 team are “ for everyone to show up to every competition with the attitude that we are well prepared and will have lots of fun.” Ms. Semerad also added that “I would also like to come home with one outstanding Color Guard trophy.” Practices for the Color Guard team will start this summer. They will start learning the Fight Song and practices will begin in August for band camp. Ms Semerad explained that “I think that I have a great team picked out for next year and I am excited to see what happens!”