“This is the final performance of my final year”—these thoughts rushed through junior Jessica Woody’s head as she performed for what she thought was her last winter guard championship.

“Championships are big and it’s why we’ve been working hard this whole season. This was supposed to be my last competition so that’s why I worked extra hard,” Woody said.

The training that goes into preparing for a final competition paid off when she performed this season’s winter guard show for the last time.

“I had been so sad because I thought this was going to be my last performance,” Woody said.

She had convinced herself that this would be her last season of color guard.

“I was so nervous and adrenaline was flowing through me. Everyone’s eyes in the gym were on us. I was trembling with excitement.”

In that moment, Woody realized that the feeling color guard gave her was like no other and that she couldn’t leave this activity which she loved so much. She’ll have at least one more year to ponder “This is the final performance of her final year”.