Congratulations to Spanish River High School Winter Guard team for winning the silver medal - second place at the 2009 World Guard International (WGI) World Championships in Dayton, Ohio on April 3, 2009. WGI is known as the “Sport of the Arts.” It brings music to life through performance in a competitive format. As WGI, a nonprofit youth organization leading winter guard and indoor percussion activities enters its 33rd year, the sport is evolving and growing, with over 11,000 participants at the World Championships this year.

 “This is a big moment,” said Ms. Devon Gladstone, guard co-director, “The team members have worked tirelessly to attain this prestigious recognition.”  This year’s award-winning show was performed on a 50 by 80 foot tarp painted to liken Seurat’s famous ‘Sunday at the Park’ painting. “This year’s show designer, Mr. Adam Sage, traveled several times from Georgia to work with the team members and played a major role in the group’s success,” said Mr. Brian Horan, guard co-director. “Our costumes resemble attire from the late 1800’s, and we use beautiful parasols during our performance”, added team captain Debbie S.

The Winter Guard junior varsity and varsity squads are part of Spanish River’s Silver Sound Band. “It has been a sensational 2008-2009 season for both the varsity and junior varsity guard teams,” said band director Mr. Craig White. “Both teams earned 1st place in their divisions at the South Florida Winter Guard Association (SFWGA) Championships.”
 
 “Winter Guard requires spending multiple hours a week preparing for fierce competitions associated with the stunning and unique performances”, said Spanish River principal, Dr. Susan Atherley. “We are so proud of both teams’ extreme dedication!”

The Spanish River High School’s Winter Guard Varsity Team is comprised of seniors Debbie S (Captain), Jane L (Co-captain), Bryn S (Administrative Officer), Naomi L,  Jolly E, and Lauren G, juniors Brittany R, Katelyn K, and Emily Y, sophomores Angela M, Alexa S, Kate H and Mary P, and freshman Nicole G.

Spanish River (FL) (Silver Medal- 95.7) took the spectators on a lazy afternoon stroll with “Sunday at the Park,” while being awarded the High Equipment score in the process.  Opening with pastel umbrellas of varying hues, the accompanying choreography was so tastefully done that it was as if a ballet troupe were dancing.  After a long afternoon of socializing by the southern belles, the sound of crickets chirping at dusk signaled time to head home, just as an evening rain shower started to fall.

Source: http://www.wgi.org/, and Sylvia Granet