After months of dedication and rehearsals, HP’s color guard closed out their season by performing at WGASC Championships—Winter Guard Association of Southern California. But this year in particular marked a major milestone: Spartan Guard broke new ground by competing at WGI—Winter Guard International—for the first time in school history.
As one of the largest and most competitive circuits in the state, WGASC hosts hundreds of schools across Southern California. Last year the team placed 1st and won the championship.
But this season, under the leadership of second-semester captain Xiomara Garcia, the team advanced to the national stage, participating in the WGI Manhattan Beach Regional as a Scholastic A guard.
Junior Wendy Sanchez, a second-year member of the team, described the difference:
“Well WGASC is the competition circuit we always compete for,” Wendy Sanchez explained. “But this year we competed for WGI… for the first time in the school’s history. I could tell there was a difference… Competition is definitely higher at WGI, especially since world-class color guards go to perform.”
Wendy, who performs on all three equipment types–flag, sabre, and rifle–served as both the opening and closing soloist for this year’s show. As a returning member, she also supported new teammates and helped uphold the coach’s expectations:
“I help the new members and support my captain. I should be an example… and my coach holds us to those standards.”
While the second semester brought national-level competition, the year began with senior Gisselle Sanchez leading as captain. Though she stepped back during WGI season due to work, she stayed involved behind the scenes.
“I did help them with what they needed… I was always there if she [Xiomara] had any questions or needed advice.”
Preparing for graduation, Gisselle reflected on how color guard shaped her growth—both in leadership and life.
“I couldn’t procrastinate… I had to manage my time the right way and still be an honor roll student. Overall, I learned to be more responsible and patient with people.”
The opportunity to compete in both WGASC and WGI gave them a new perspective and brought new goals that shift colorguard’s focus.
“We’re becoming a more dance-focused and performance group,” Wendy said. “We had multiple coaches come in and we improved a lot—especially compared to past seasons.”
Looking ahead, the team has already begun preparing for what’s next. Tryouts are underway, and the energy moving into next season is high.
“Color guard never stops practicing,” Gisselle said. “Next year’s goal is going to championships and medaling. Not getting a medal this year was a wake-up call–-it’s going to make them work harder.”
For HPHS’s team, performing at both circuits—WGASC and now WGI—was a reflection of their growth, hard work, and passion. They’ve proven that they can hold their own on both regional and national stages, and they’re only getting better.
Spartan Guard Roster — 2024-2025 Season
Coach: Juan Hernandez
Fall Guard:
Captain: Gisselle Sanchez
Team Members:
Andrea Quinonez, Wendy Sanchez, Valerie Torres, Leslie Flores, Azul Preciado, Maribel Perez, Darlene Penaloza, Crystal Jimenez, Kevin Ramos Ramirez, Xiomara Garcia, Kristel Villanueva, Janice Calderon, Edith Ordaz, Daphne Hernandez, Mia Olivarez, Maria Villalobos, Daniel Rodriguez, Marilyn Hermosillo, Gennessy Ochoa, Emily Enciso, Laura Rivas, Fatima Martinez, Ori Schell Ortiz
Winter Guard:
Captain: Xiomara Garcia
Team Members:
Janice Calderon, Crystal Jimenez, Kristel Villlanueva, Emily enciso, Wendy Sanchez, Edith Duarte, Daniel Rodriguez, Maribel Perez, Daphne Hernandez, Alejandro Basulto, Darlene Penaloza, Leslie Flores, Marilyn De La Cruz, Yaretzi Dominguez, Genessy Ochoa
Written By: Genevie Calderon, Staff Writer