Last month, competitors put their best flag forward at the Florida Federation of Color guards Circuit (FFCC) Championship.
Several students from Manatee County competed in the four-day competition at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
Parrish Community High School roped in a state championship title.
In total, there were 222 teams representing schools from Georgia to South Florida.
FFCC helps the marching and pageantry arts community in Florida to foster educational growth and competitive spirit among color guards, indoor percussion and wind teams.
Congratulations to those representing Manatee County schools!
Parrish Community High School Winter Guard celebrates a big win.
1st place State Champion – Parrish Community High School
AAA and AA Colorguard Classes - Harlow Division - This class of performers represents the first step towards becoming a nationally competitive team, and is expected to develop a greater skill set in movement, equipment and performance.
3rd place – Braden River Cadets
The Cadet Novice, Cadet and Regional A Color guard Classes are comprised of elementary and middle school performers.
Teacher Kaitlin Money is Director of the Braden River Cadets.
These talented young people attend Abel Elementary, Bashaw Elementary, Braden River Elementary, Tara Elementary, Johnson K-8, Braden River Middle, Buffalo Creek Middle, Haile Middle and Lee Middle Schools.
In 2023, the team won a state championship.
This program is in its sixth year at Braden River High School.
4th place – Manatee High School
Cadet Novice, Cadet, and Regional A Color guard Classes – Imagination Division – Performers begin to learn, explore and perfect movement, equipment and performance skills.
Photos from Instagram
4th place – Braden River High School
National Classes – A, Open, & World Color Guard Classes – Company Division
6th place – Braden River HS JV
AAA and AA Color Guard Classes – Kersten Division – This class of performers represents the first step towards becoming a nationally competitive team, and is expected to develop a greater skill set in movement, equipment and performance.
7th place – Lakewood Ranch High School
AAA and AA Color Guard Classes – Anastasia Division – This group of performers are working to develop competence in equipment, movement, and performance on a regional level.
According to the Director of Bands, the winter guard was promoted mid-season to a more challenging circuit. "I am very proud of all of our band members," said John Wilkerson.
You can read more in a story from Mustangs Ahead, a student journalism program at Lakewood Ranch High School.
8th place – Lakewood Ranch High School
Winds and Percussion – McCormick’s Division – This dynamic art form channels the performers' energy into theatrical, dramatic performances.