The Hooks Winter Guard competed at the solo and ensemble and team competition at the Four States Performing Arts Association in Mount Pleasant on February 21, and one of the winter guard soloists will get to compete at the Championship Finals on April 18.

In the morning, Solo and Ensembles performed, then the team events happened in the evening. Lola Herrington competed in the Senior I division at 10:50 a.m. and was awarded 2nd place in her round for solos. Callie Jones, who performed at 12:30 p.m., and Chloe Rizo, who performed at 1:20 p.m., didn’t place in their Senior II division, however they will have a second chance on April 18th to perform in prelims and hopefully make it to finals.

“I am a board member for the Four States Performing Arts Association and I was helping pass out awards that night,” winter guard director Burgandy Crouse said. “I was so happy when I saw Lola’s name when doing solos and did everything I could to stay neutral until they announced her name.”

The team performed at 6:50 p.m. in the Regional A class and they were awarded third place for their round. For the team awards, Crouse personally awarded her own team with their third place banner while cheering and jumping for joy.

“The students have worked so hard and I am happy they were able to get this win,” Crouse said. “Fingers crossed it won’t be the last for the season, but the team and I have discussed how if we want to get more awards they will have to work and do everything they can to get better in the next couple of weeks.”

The team show is called “I’m Here” and it tells the story of how we will always show up for our friends and family when they are struggling, even if it just means staying on the phone with them. Their last contest will be March 28 in Hallsville, which will be their last chance to perfect the routine and win. The team encourages others to try out in April for color guard since both color guard and winter guard are ways to express yourself and enjoy time with people who enjoy the same hobby.