The Melissa High School Winter Guard was named the Silver Medalist at the NTCA State Scholastic Open Championships on March 28-29, 2026. Competing with their program, Your Own Stars, the team faced off against eight other high school Winter Guards in the Scholastic Open Class. The MHS Winter Guard had an incredible season, placing within the top 3 in nearly all of their competitions. In their Scholastic Open Class, they are currently ranked second in Texas and top 20 in the nation!
On March 28, the MHS Winter Guard performed in the preliminary round, securing second place and advancing to the finals. The following day, they delivered another outstanding performance and brought home the NTCA State Scholastic Open Championship Silver Medalist title.
The MHS Winter Guard will be competing at the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships for the second year in a row in Dayton, Ohio, starting today, April 9-11, 2026. Their prelims performance will be at 6:05 p.m.
“The progress we've made as a program within the past few months to welcome the people new to our family has honestly reminded me why I love colorguard,” said junior Ini Abatan. “Being a part of a community where you are encouraged to keep going no matter your skill level has invited its way into my everyday life and has motivated me to keep pushing myself.”
Reflecting on her time in the color guard program as she approaches her final performance, senior Alexis Loukota said, “Color guard taught me resistance, confidence, and made me who I am today. Not every toss was perfect, but I learned that not giving up on myself matters more than getting it right every time. Each season had its challenges, but we stuck together and saw it through to the end.”
Clay Singletary, Melissa ISD Color Guard Director, expressed his gratitude for the team, "This school year has been wonderful. The Color Guard Program continues to create new standards each season and each year. After the last two years of huge success both locally and nationally, this year has been no exception. We are so proud of all of these young adults and how selfless they have been this year. It is an honor to be their director!”
Congratulations to the Melissa High School Winter Guard on an incredible season and good luck at the WGI World Championships this week! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.