It feels like just yesterday I was taking the floor surrounded by the people who had quickly become my second family. Fast forward half a year, and everything has changed for all of us. The experiences from the previous season still fresh in our minds, but entirely different paths set out in front of us. With the winterguard season quickly approaching, I reflect on both the good times and the hard times we had together. To both current members of the Dartmouth High School Winterguard, and those who have passed through the program, here's to you.

I know this year has already proved to be a challenging one, but I am incredibly impressed with how well you have done. I wanted to thank you all for everything you have given me as friends, mentors, and coaches. I could never imagine being where I am today without the people I first learned to perform with. You seemed to have approached this new year with a drive and passion to excel and better yourselves. You have amazed me in ways I could not have imagined, and I'm so proud to have performed with all of you. As someone who has marched with many of you, I can easily say that you have come so far, and exceeded so many expectations.

With marching band behind you, this upcoming season may seem like a challenge. You will be presented with new skills and harder work, but keep pushing yourselves to reach your end of season goals. I can already tell how strong of a group you will be, and I am so excited for all of the experiences you will have. At times it may get stressful and overwhelming, but you just need to remember what you are performing for. I know you guys will be cheering me on this winter, and you know I will absolutely be cheering for you too. I will be your number one fan, and I'll be supporting you throughout this whole season. I have so much faith that you will continue to challenge yourselves and get better at what you're doing.

Whether this is your first year in the program, or your last, I want you to embrace it and live it up as much as you can. The feeling you get when you pass through the program is entirely bittersweet. While new experiences and opportunities may be waiting for you, you will also have to leave behind all of the incredible memories you've already made. It will be a long, uphill journey, but in the end it will be so worth it. The friends you will make will stay with your for long after the program ends. With that being said, embrace every moment you get to spend with your teammates. Open up and make connections, and your season will be so rewarding. Cherish ever twelve hour practice and every two show weekend. Never take for granted those dinner breaks you get that turn into performing our own little shows.

Now go out there and put everything you have into your show. Find passion in it and bring it to life. Show the world what you can do and who you are as performers and as human beings. Allow yourselves to be vulnerable and to be honest. These four years of your life will be so memorable if you just open your heart to everything you are doing. Dig deep, find the light, and remember that anything is possible.