Students in the WinterGuard program at Homer Central School District participate in practice on Wednesday. The program is in the rebuilding process as it looks for further involvement and community support. (Photo Source: Kevin Weinheimer).
The WinterGuard program at Homer Central School District (HCSD) is currently being rebuilt after a few years of uncertainty.
As the revamped process gets underway, WinterGuard director Susan Thomas said the program is looking to “build awareness in the community, promote students to join, and encourage community involvement and support.”
This comes as the program moves along with limited resources, Thomas said. The WinterGuard program, which has been a tradition at HCSD for almost 35 years, is under new staff that is led by Thomas.
“We’re making it the way it should be: a group activity. It’s a school spirit type of thing,” Thomas said.
According to Thomas, WinterGuard is a combination of rifle-throwing, sword-throwing and flag-throwing. The program also includes cheerleaders, and a dance instructor is assisting with the choreography.
“They do a musical production routine where they’re all synchronized and coordinated,” Thomas said, a former cheerleader. “It’s not easy throwing up rifles and stuff.”
Thomas said WinterGuard, which needs at least five participants to make a team, currently has eight students. The squad as a whole, Thomas said, is looking to reach 20 students.
“We are looking to get the word out that any student interested in the Homer School District is eligible,” Thomas said.
Thomas noted that the program is running low on funding. The hope, she added, is spread outright to the community for potential sponsorship and fundraising.
The WinterGuard program will most likely not compete in events until the end of February, Thomas said. Until then, Thomas added that the program will perform during halftime shows at Homer basketball games this season.
“This will hopefully give WinterGuard more exposure,” Thomas said, noting the support from HCSD administration and its staff.
