Earlier this year, five Gilbert Public Schools teams placed in the top five at the Winter Guard Arizona State Championship.
In the Guard Scholastic Junior High division, Highland Junior High finished fourth with a score of 63.340, while South Valley Junior High placed fifth with a score of 62.620.
In the High School Guard Scholastic A division, Campo Verde High took fourth with a score of 82.870, and Desert Ridge High School earned second place with a score of 85.625.
Additionally, Mesquite High School secured fourth place in the High School Guard Scholastic AA division with a score of 72.110.
Over the past four years, Desert Ridge High’s winter guard has consistently improved.
In 2022, the team competed in the Scholastic AA division, finishing third with a score of 75.705.
The next year, Desert Ridge moved up to the Scholastic A division, placing third after scoring 84.040.
Last year, the Jaguars earned second place by improving their score to 84.380, ultimately improving their score again at this year’s state championship.
One factor that may contribute to Desert Ridge High’s continued success is the team's collaboration between high school and junior high students. The Desert Ridge Winter Guard welcomes students from Desert Ridge Junior High to its practices.
During these sessions, the high school students actively support the development of their junior high teammates, which carries over into the team’s performances.
In competitions, junior high students are integrated into the routines, with experienced students contributing throughout the entire performance while others participate in roles tailored to their skill level. This allows the junior high students to gain experience competing at the high school level, making the transition to high school much smoother.
For the junior high students, participating in the winter guard program offers a valuable head start as they prepare for high school.
The experience of practicing and performing alongside high school students provides familiarity with the high school environment and the demands of competition, which can lead to a smoother and more confident transition.
Simultaneously, the high school students gain important leadership and mentorship skills through their interactions with the younger team members. This opportunity to guide and support their junior high peers fosters their ability to communicate effectively and take on leadership roles within the team.
Desert Ridge High's winter guard coach, Alyssa Lambert, emphasized the welcoming nature of the sport for all students.
“One of the things that makes winter guard and color guard special is that anyone can do it and can start at any age," she said. "It’s something that offers students an opportunity to learn something unique, it’s expressive and artistic.”
