The Winter Guard team at Norte Vista High School is preparing for a season of growth, skill-building, and teamwork, each member focusing on improving both their performance and personal growth development.

Jasmine Reyes is looking forward to becoming more attentive and pushing herself to improve even more.

“My main goals for this winter guard season is to become more attentive, becoming better than the skill I have right now, and to grow as a person. I’m getting ready for them as the months pass by,” Reyes said

Being in Winter Guard has helped Jasmine achieve more than she thought possible. Jasmine is already trying to improve, practicing every day, and developing her skills.

“Being in winter guard has helped me accept and achieve things I thought I couldn’t. A lesson I take daily is to be not afraid to do things. I’m preparing every day slowly, improving on things I was bad at first. To face these challenges that will soon meet me in the flesh, I take home my equipment, practicing on my front lawn from the moment I get home to when the street lights turn on,”  Reyes stated.

Yadira Uraje-Guerrero is also focused on learning new skills and building confidence. For her, the key to feeling prepared is consistent practice and determination.

“I don’t really have any main goals for winter guard, maybe just learn new skills for it. You can learn many new things from being in winter guard. It helps us learn to work together, confidence and that would help us wherever we go. I will practice my skills more and practice till I have it done so that I am not that nervous when I have to put it out there.” Uraje-Guerrero said

Juan Bautista’s goal for the season is to showcase his abilities to the judges. Being part of the Winter Guard has also taught him valuable life lessons and Juan emphasizes that practice is key to reaching his goals.

“So my main goal for winter guard is to be the best that I can be and showcase my capabilities to the judges, showing them how much blood and sweat I put into the sport. I take my equipment home and I practice all my skills to be the best that I can possibly be at this sport. Being in winter guard has changed me for the better so now I know the importance of being on time, social, and communicative with my peers, and is especially important if I’m going to continue doing Guard professionally. The main thing that has helped me with preparing is practicing, practicing, practicing, and I can’t stress that enough to people who ask me how I’m at the skill I’m at, it’s all in hard work and dedication, you really need a passion for it.” Bautista claimed