L-W North Winterguard Takes Bronze at National Competition

The Winterguard team made history Saturday, April 15, capturing bronze at the World Guard International World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

The 14-member team beat out more than 100 teams from across the country, including schools from California, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey and Canada.

“Truly having the experience of a lifetime cannot even begin to describe the emotional path that this program has endured this season,” said Winterguard Director Tammy Edders. “The feeling of pure bliss was achieved not only in score but in the guard's emotional portrayal of this wonderful story. It definitely was a special group of kids that pushed excellence to its definition. Not many schools have done what these kids have accomplished. It’s truly a memory they will hold on to for the rest of their lives.”

The World Guard International World Championships is considered the premier showcase for winter color guard. It draws more than 11,000 participants each year, including more than 300 color guards and 170 percussion ensembles from 40 states and four countries.

Lincoln-Way North’s 14-member winterguard team performed its touching, melodic show set to Cyndi Lauper’s tune “Unchained Melody.” 

The show is dedicated to couples that did not choose the easy path of separation, said Edders, but the harder path of staying together to fight for what they love…. Till the end. Forever. 

Students have been rehearsing after school and on weekends to prepare for the competition, which was held during spring break.

“I (don’t mind) giving up my spring break for this,” said junior Michelle Anderson.

“It’s so worth it,” agreed teammate Jillian Labriola.

Saturday’s competition marked the end of the 2011-2012 competitive season, which included nine consecutive wins for the Lincoln-Way team.

“This kind of dedication and commitment to excellence on this level is a rare occurrence today,” said Bert Johnson, the music department chair at Lincoln-Way North.

“The administration, winterguard staff, students, and parents at Lincoln-Way North are committed to that goal,” he added.

Members of the winning bronze team are: Laura Reis, Shannon Miller, Michelle Anderson, Dana Keck, Kayleigh Deal, Alyssa Lyen, Teresa Novak, Stephanie Casimiro, Jill Labriola, Brandy Benak, Abby Baguisa, Jordan Phillips, Kari Steinke and Alec Chase.

They were welcomed back from the world championships on Sunday by the Frankfort Fire Protection District, which escorted the team back to school.