After nearly 20 years of absence, Southern Lehigh has reintroduced the indoor color guard. The team is currently made up of a small group of nine middle and high schoolers, coached by color guard director Mrs. Marlo Spritzer, assistant instructor Mr. Devon Wolf, and volunteer instructor Mx. Ellis Ford. Both Wolfe and Ford are former Southern Lehigh color guard members.
Color guard director Mrs. Spritzer was inspired by the passion of her students to bring back the indoor color guard program to Southern Lehigh.
“It’s something that I’ve thought about for a while, but there weren’t always the right circumstances to be able to do it,” said Mrs. Spritzer, “This year, I had a very dedicated group of students that were enthusiastic about the opportunity, so we thought we would give it a try. That way, there would be an opportunity for the color guard members to be able to have a year-round experience.”
The indoor guard strives to create a hard-working and competitive team by dedicating multiple hours a week to practice. Currently, practices are held in the high school gymnasium, an unfamiliar transition for those used to practicing outside for the marching band season.
This season’s program is set to the song, “These Are the Days” by 10,000 Maniacs. The performance is very light-hearted and fun, with members costumed in neutral tones and portraying a theme embodying friendship.
One of the color guard members, freshman Charlotte Smyth, is grateful for the familial bond the team has already formed.
“I love how when we are all together, it feels like we all have something in common. It’s like we’re all connected because we all enjoy doing color guard together,” said Smyth. “We’re like one big family, and I know that I can be my true self and feel accepted by everyone.”
The implementation of the indoor guard team at Southern Lehigh has created great opportunities for students interested in color guard. It has allowed members of the marching band guard to continue performing throughout the year and given middle schoolers a chance to improve their skills before transferring to high school.
As the winter season has progressed, junior Maeve Grogan, captain of the indoor color guard, expressed her adoration for the team so far.
“It’s been a great experience for sure!,” said Grogan, “Everyone does their part to try and make others feel included, and even if our practices can be grueling sometimes, in my opinion, it’s all worth it. Overall, I’ve been having a really wonderful time!”
The team performed in their first competition on March 1st at Wilson High School, in West Lawn, where they earned third place in the scholastic novice class. Their next competition is on March 29th at Catasauqua High School, and they will conclude their season at the Tournament Indoor Association (TIA) Region 2 Championships at Parkland High School on April 26th.
Southern Lehigh reintroduces Indoor Color Guard team
The new indoor color guard team is excited to represent Southern Lehigh. The students represent grades 7-12.
About the Contributor
Axel Sorber, Staff Reporter
For the past two years, senior Axel Sorber has been a staff reporter for The Spotlight newspaper. She has dabbled in several different sections of the newspaper, refining her writing skills and exploring the journalistic style.
Her favorite article that she wrote was “Microtrends threaten Earth’s Environment.” She enjoyed writing the article because she was passionate about and interested in the topic. While interviewing sources for this article, she got to have impactful conversations with insightful people, making it a memorable learning experience.
“I’m going to miss getting to write stories about things I find interesting and seeing it published in the paper,” said Sorber.
In the fall, Axel will attend Lehigh Carbon Community College to study Biology on a Pre-Med track. Although she doesn’t plan to pursue journalism in college, she intends to continue writing as a hobby.
Throughout her academic career at Southern Lehigh High School, Axel has not only been dedicated to the newspaper, but has also participated in various extracurricular activities. She took part in the Color Guard for four years, No Place for Hate for two years, and South Asian Student Association for one year. She was also elected the Secretary of French Honor Society for the year of 2025.
Axel’s favorite class was French with Madame Farley.
“It’s a great little classroom. Madame and the two other girls I’m in class with, we’re all super close,” said Sorber. “It’s just a really safe environment and I feel like I’m always learning something new.”
Axel described how she will miss the underclassmen, her friends, and all the memories she made throughout her time at Southern Lehigh. When reflecting on her time in high school, Sorber recalls many fond memories, but Friday Night Football Games remain her favorite moments of all.
“I’ve loved every part of it. Just getting to be with other people and the familial bonds that are formed,” said Sorber.
In Axel’s years at Southern Lehigh, she learned important lessons that she will carry with her to college. Her advice for younger students is something she tends to live by.
“Don’t push yourself to the point that you’re making yourself super stressed out. Give yourself some time; focus on yourself and your well being. School’s important but your mental health is more important,” said Sorber.