The weight of the seniors’ presence will be felt when that final day comes and it’s time to say goodbye and move on to the next chapter of life.The departure of the senior colorguard members marks a significant milestone in their lives, with graduation and moving on in life. The exit of senior teammates creates a shift within the team. Seniors typically provide leadership and become someone underclassmen can look up to. When those seniors leave , it’s a role returning members have to fill.
“I’m very sad, and I’m hopeful for the next group a s I hope they’ll go far,” Madison Vargas,12, said. ”I think my favorite thing about colorguard is how everyone is a family and has such a great bond.”
For many graduating seniors, leaving Colorguard is a major life change. Many have dedicated years to Colorguard, developing a sense of belonging with their team. Over the years, they’ve not only gained forever friendships but a second family. Many hours of work and dedication is put into Colorguard to ensure they’re the best they could possibly be, not only for themselves, but for their teammates.
“I’m very sad leaving the people I’ve been in guard with all four years,” Victoria Jones,12, said. “One thing I’m excited about is the excitement of being around new people.”
For many senior members, the feeling of graduation and future endeavors is bittersweet. While they feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement about the next chapter of their lives, they’ll also feel a sense of nostalgia as they leave behind their past friends.
The graduation of seniors not only affects them but the people they’ll be leaving behind. The strong bonds formed with their teammates and coaches will follow them in life. The absence of the seniors will be missed by fellow teammates.
“They’re people that I’ve looked up to when I first joined and still look up to. They make events ten times more fun and are always there for me,” Zainab Eladraoui ,11, said. “I’m really glad that they’re moving on in life, but I’m also sad that they’re leaving me.”
When the routine of practices, games, long bus rides, and team activities with the people you call family suddenly disappears, it’s followed by sadness. Many seniors grapple with the realization that they may never have that kind of experience with those people again, and it’s like saying goodbye to family. The many memories that were shared over the following years leaves much to reminisce on.
“Well, it’s like a bittersweet moment because most of my friends are seniors and of course I will miss them,” Imani Mason,11, said. “One of the things I’ll miss most is during games and competitions. On the bus, we have a lot of fun and we’re loud. It’s an experience you can’t really get with underclassmen because they’re mostly really shy.”
The different dynamics within the team is what makes it the way it is . Everyone has a person to go to, or feels they can be themselves with.
For the senior Colorguard members, graduation will be an event that affects them and their fellow team members. Everyone on Colorguard has been touched, whether it’s friendship or mentorship.
“I’ll miss the deep conversations we have, and the positive attitudes and wisdom,” Solomon Walker, 9, said. “I’ll be very sad when they leave, I will shed a tear for every friend I lose.”
