2021 Colts Age-Outs - Colts.org
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2021 Colts Age-Outs
These members represent the heart and soul of the Colts in many ways,
and have contributed outstanding leadership to the entire corps. These
students together share 84 years of membership. They will be missed.
We thank them for their dedication, commitment, hard work and character.
They have perpetuated the momentum of the Red Team!
Lauren Adamow a staff member tried motivating me
Brass/Baritone and uplift me while I was struggling my
Years (Colts): 1 first season in 2017.
Hometown: Frankfort, Illinois
College: Colorado College Thank You...I would like to thank my
Major: Music parents for always supporting me and
believing in me, along with myself for
Most Significant Lessons...Discipline never pushing through the mental and
and respect. physical barriers that came.
Impact On Your Life...I’ve learned that Words To Supporters...You’re amazing
my limits are beyond what I thought and the reason why we are able to do
they were and that I am stronger than what we do.
I know.
Closing Thoughts...Time is extremely
Best Memories...Meal times when all valuable, do not take a moment or a
of us could sit, eat, and talk about our rep for granted.
day.
Holly Beber
Thank You...My mom, dad, and band Color Guard
director, Jeremy Van Hoy for all of their Years (Colts): 2
support. Years (Cadets): 1
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Patty Averkamp College: Indiana State Univesity
Color Guard Major: Dietetics
Years (Colts): 3 / Years (Cadets): 2
Hometown: East Dubuque, Illinois Most Significant Lessons...Time
College: Des Moines Area Community management, friendship, perseverance,
College and that I can do anything I set my
Major: Nursing mind to
Most Significant Lessons...How to be Impact On Your Life...Memories I’ll
a leader, efficiency, and to strive to be forever cherish, lifelong friendships,
great in everything you do. and growth in my Colorguard skills
Impact On Your Life...I have met some Best Memories...My first dome show
of the most amazing people, life long in St Louis in 2018, full ensembles
friends, role models. There are no under stadium lights, and learning I
words for have much impact a group of can do something I never thought was
150 people can have on you. possible
Best Memories...Spending time with Thank You...My family and friends
other members after shows. Also when
45Words To Supporters...Thank you for given me the world class experience
helping us continue to live out our I’ve dreamed of for years, and
drum corps dreams! friendships that will last a lifetime.
Closing Thoughts...I’m so thankful to Best Memories...Jug Chugs, ensemble
be here! I love this show, and I’m ready blocks at sunset, Josh Nelson quotes,
to leave it all out on the field one last and getting stronger with my friends
time! every day.
Emma Bruce Thank You...I would like to thank my
Brass/Mellophone parents for their support throughout
Years (Colts): 2 / Years (Cadets): 1 my marching career, my brother for
Hometown: Charleston, Illinois his Midwestern hospitality, and my
College: University of Illinois Urbana- girlfriend and her family for their
Champaign support of my journey this summer. I
Major: Kinesiology would also like to thank the percussion
staff for giving me this opportunity.
Most Significant Lessons...At the Colts
I’ve learned to push myself to be the Words To Supporters...Thank you so
best that I can at everything I do, and much for allowing us to go out on the
then to be even better than that. I’ve road and live our dreams once again.
also learned that I am stronger and
more capable than I think I am. Closing Thoughts...I really can’t believe
that I’m aging out, and it’s even harder
Impact On Your Life...The Colts has to believe that I’m doing so with such a
given me the opportunity to meet some prestigious ensemble. It’s been such a
of my best and closest friends and long journey since my rookie year and
given me another family. I’m so incredibly honored to be finishing
it with the Colts. I don’t know where
Best Memories...One of my best life will take me after this tour, but I
memories is my rookie year at Colts do know that the memories, lessons,
there was a tornado warning on the and friendships I’ve gained from this
night we moved in and we took shelter experience will be with me forever.
in the locker rooms and I got to meet
so many new people! Also when it Carli Castillon
snowed at April 2019 camp! And Brass/Baritone
Zumba Fridays of course! Years (Colts): 4
Hometown: Port Orange, Florida
Thank You...My parents! Their support College: Colorado State University
means everything to me and is the Major: Trombone Performance
reason I am able to march drum corps!
Most Significant Lessons...You can
Devon Buchanan accomplish anything you set your mind
Percussion/Snare to and are much stronger than you
Years (Colts): 1 think.
Hometown: Medford, New Jersey
Impact On Your Life...Colts has given
Most Significant Lessons...During my me some of my best friends, taught me
time with the Colts, I’ve learned that how to come out of my shell, and to
hard work and tough days are always grow as not only a musician and leader,
worth it, and that anything you put your but as a person as well.
mind to is possible.
Best Memories...Getting to perform
Impact On Your Life...The Colts have with all of my friends…and the baritone
47frog incident of 2018 is a close second. Impact On Your Life...It showed me how
important community is.
Thank You...To my family for supporting
my drum corps dreams, to staff for Best Memories...The first full run of the
taking a chance on me to fill that hole show.
back in 2017, and to the Colts baris
and hornline for always having my back Thank You...My parents and my
and helping me hold on to morning. girlfriend for always pushing and
supporting me.
Words To Supporters...Thank you so
much for all you do! Words To Supporters...Thank you!
Closing Thoughts...Five lines. Closing Thoughts...It’s been a long ride,
but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Paul Circo
Brass/Trumpet Nic Englin
Years (Colts): 3 Brass/Baritone
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Years (Colts): 1
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Hometown: Rockwell City, Iowa
Major: Electrical Engineering College: University of Northern Iowa
Major: Music Education
Most Significant Lessons...There are
no shortcuts if you wish to achieve Most Significant Lessons...I think the
something to the point of perfection. most important thing the Colts taught
me was resilience. We all have bad
Impact On Your Life...Through my time days and rough patches. However, it’s
with the Colts, I have met some of my how you bounce back that defines who
best friends in the world and have felt you are and how you push through.
myself mature into the man I want to be.
Impact On Your Life...While this is my
Best Memories...All of the good times only year of drum corps, I have felt
I’ve had with the bois™ embraced by my section and have
always felt like I had someone to turn
Thank You...I would like to thank my to if I needed. The memories I take
family for always supporting me and away from this season will be enough
my dreams, and to the family I’ve made to last me a lifetime and for that I’m
here, for making the decision to come truly grateful.
back so easy.
Best Memories...My favorite memory
Words To Supporters...Thank you all so far is probably putting the last
for allowing me to live this amazing few sets of the show on the field in
chapter of my life. Winterset and having my family there to
see our first full run-through.
Closing Thoughts...Do not be afraid
to try new things, you never know how Thank You...I would like to thank my
crazy of a ride it may lead you on. family, friends, instructors, and corps
family for pushing me to be the best
Ethyn Corfield version of myself and supporting me on
Percussion/Snare this amazing adventure. It’s one that I’ll
Years (Colts): 1 hold close to me forever.
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Words To Supporters...Your support for
Most Significant Lessons...Self the corps and the impact it’s had is felt
accountability and responsibility. by every one of us here in everything
49we do. Without you, we wouldn’t be Impact On Your Life...I have learned
able to do most of the things we do. much more about myself and how
Your support is truly amazing and so I interact with others. Colts has
greatly appreciated. also taught me to become a more
disciplined person.
Closing Thoughts...As a “rook-out,” I
truly feel blessed to be a part of such Best Memories...Having my first real
an amazing organization. I was taken drum corps experience after such a
in so quickly, that it was almost a long time of waiting.
seamless transition between my life
back home and my life with the Colts. Closing Thoughts...Although my overall
While there have been hard days and drum corps experience was cut short, I
good days, I have always felt like I am glad I got to come have a real drum
belonged here. The friendships I have corps experience. I wish I would’ve had
made here I hope will last far beyond more time to bond with everybody in
the six weeks I have with this corps. I’d the Colts and I am sad to be aging out
like to offer one last thank you to this so soon.
corps that has truly had such a huge
impact on my life and for helping me Reed Gordon
to realize a dream that has been in the Brass/Contra
works since I was in junior high. Thank Years (Colts): 4
you, Colts. Hometown: Aurora, Illinois
College: Western Illinois University
Alexa Estrada Major: Communications
Color Guard
Years (Colts): 1 Most Significant Lessons...Always hold
Hometown: Dallas, Texas on to your dreams, and with dedication
to pursuing excellence you will reach
Most Significant Lessons...It’s never those dreams.
too late to find your family.
Impact On Your Life...Made some of
Impact On Your Life...Kindness and my closest friends in my life here at
acceptance. this organization and have helped me
through hardships and been there for
Best Memories...Traveling for the first celebrations too.
time after the COVID.
Best Memories...Bus rides and shows!
Thank You...Vicki!
Thank You...Thank you to everyone
Words To Supporters...Thank you so who has volunteered for the colts in
much for accepting me with open arms. any capacity especially the RED TEAM
THREAD TEAM!
Closing Thoughts...It’s been a wild ride,
grandmas ready to retire. Words To Supporters...Thank you for
making our dreams financially possible!
Kason Fiedler
Brass/Tuba Closing Thoughts...MFRT
Years (Colts): 1
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska Alyssa Harrington
College: University of Nebraska–Lincoln Color Guard
Major: Music Education Years (Colts): 2
Hometown: Phoenix, New York
Most Significant Lessons...I have College: SUNY Geneseo
learned to be myself and to do my best. Major: Theatre and English
51Most Significant Lessons...Enjoy every Impact On Your Life...Made me learn
moment while it lasts. Try not to doubt social skills and as well that someone
yourself, and be confident in everything has your back.
you do.
Best Memories...The sunsets in Tama
Impact On Your Life...Colts as a whole and Creston.
has been my home away from home.
Everyday of tour I find someone or Thank You...Thank you to the battery
something new to talk about that just staff and as well as the CQB : )
makes me happy or burst out laughing.
From the volunteers on the cook truck, Words To Supporters...Thank you so
to even the drill move in between horn much for your generosity, you keep us
line members that is complicated to going!!
say the least. There is always someone
who will be there for you for support. Closing Thoughts...Push yourself now
rather than later and trust the process.
Best Memories...Riding the Mike bus
in ‘19 for sure. The first time that the Dillon Jensen
corps plays Morning. And how many Percussion/Bass Drum
PB&Js I consume when its hot dogs for Years (Colts): 1
any meal. Hometown: Ball Ground, Georgia
College: University of North Georgia
Thank You...I would like to thank Major: Psychology
my parents for helping me with my
drum corps journey. My sisters for Most Significant Lessons...There’s
supporting me all the time, even if it always more work to be done.
was hard to explain the first year. And
lastly Vicki and Fernando for giving me Impact On Your Life...I dunno man, I
the opportunity to march my age out think I’ve learned that the harder you
with this amazing organization. I will work the greater the reward.
remember this season forever.
Best Memories...The block Taylor
Words To Supporters...Thank you for Ransom showed up.
helping us as an organization ! Every
penny that is donated or physical Thank You...My late uncle Robert Jensen.
support that is shown, does not go
unnoticed. We appreciate everything Words To Supporters...I just wanna say
you do for this organization. thank you for supporting this amazing
organization.
Closing Thoughts...Thank you Colts,
for being my home away from home. I Closing Thoughts...Don’t take any
may not miss sleeping on a gym floor, moment for granted.
or testing my luck with the showers at
every housing site. But, I will miss the Nicholas Kataryniak
memories made with each member Percussion/Cymbals
and performing at every show possible. Years (Colts): 1
Thank you again. Hometown: Old Bridge, New Jersey
College: Rutgers University
Angel Izaguirre Major: Engineering
Percussion/Tenors
Years (Colts): 1 Most Significant Lessons...Always have
Hometown: Austin, Texas a positive mindset and you are always
Most Significant Lessons...Pay attention capable of more than you think you are.
to the little things and trust yourself.
53Impact On Your Life...The Colts allowed Most Significant Lessons...I am much
me to make new friendships with stronger than I think I am
people I used to look up to in the
cymbal community. Impact On Your Life...I am much more
confident and outgoing
Best Memories...My best memories
are practicing with the other cymbal Best Memories...Housing and
members trying to learn and create rehearsing in Hondo, Texas in 2018.
new flips and tricks that have never It felt like one big family there, and
been done before. the overall corps morale created a
wonderful environment.
Closing Thoughts...I am thankful for
all of the experiences I have had Thank You...Chad, Vicki, Jeff Duffy
throughout my time in drum corps.
Words To Supporters...Thank you for
Wesley Kopis supporting me and my peers so we can
Percussion/Tenors do what we love every year.
Years (Colts): 1
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana Closing Thoughts...I’m very thankful for
College: IUPUI this season, and I’m glad that admin
Major: Social Studies Education has made this logistically possible.
I love the Colts organization and I’m
Most Significant Lessons... extremely thankful for this activity.
Responsibility and time management.
Colin McKeon
Impact On Your Life...I’ve made so Percussion/Tenors
many lifelong friends and rock solid Years (Colts): 1
connections. Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
College: Appalachian State University
Best Memories...Working hard on Major: Music Education
rehearsal days, and getting stronger
with the people around you. Thank You...My parents for all of the
support they have given me throughout
Thank You...My parents Dwight and my life and in my musical development.
Bonnie for being so supportive of my
passion for this activity. Robert Nakonechnyj
Brass/Baritone
Words To Supporters...Thank you for Years (Colts): 2
making my ageout a reality! Hometown: Tarpon Ssprings, Florida
College: St. Petersburg College
Closing Thoughts...I really wish I had Major: Music Education
my 2020 season with the Colts. And
I really wish I had one more year to Most Significant Lessons...Keep
March. Ive had a lot of ups and downs pushing forward.
coming to terms with my DCI career cut
short. But I’m happy to at least have Impact On Your Life...Helped me in my
this experience, and I will never regret lowest point of my life.
doing it here with the Colts. Best Memories...Making new friends.
Dean Luke Thank You...All the staff for being there
Brass/Baritone for me.
Years (Colts): 3
Hometown: Blue Springs, Missouri Words To Supporters...Thank you for
everything.
55Closing Thoughts...Just keep your Thank You...I would like to thank my
head up. mom, Kay Olson first and foremost.
She is one of the most strong-willed,
Bethany Olson caring and resilient people I know.
Drum Major If it weren’t for her pushing me to
Years (Colts): 2 persevere and be my best every day
Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa I’m not sure I would have become the
College: University of Northern Iowa person I have become today. She gave
Major: Instrumental Music Education me courage to pursue this dream so
I am dedicating each performance to
Most Significant Lessons...Your mindset her. Thank you, Mom! I love you! I also
means everything. Stay dedicated and want to thank my high school band
persevere because you can accomplish director, Stephen Moore for believing
more than you think everyday. in me and pushing me to pursue my
dreams of marching drum corps and
Impact On Your Life...The Colts becoming a future band director.
members have become some of my His knowledge and inspiration really
strongest friendships. They taught me pushed me to go the extra mile and
that I can accomplish so much more work hard to accomplish my goals. And
in life with positivity and strength. lastly, I want to thank the Colts staff
The relationships I’ve made with as a whole, both past and present, for
several people involved with the Colts pushing me to become a more well
organization has pushed me to become rounded and strong person.
a stronger person everyday.
Words To Supporters...This activity and
Best Memories...One of my best organization has helped me become a
memories was running brass visual version of myself that I didn’t believe
block when the brass were learning could exist before I marched with drum
how to do a few visuals including corps. I have become such a resilient
hyping up the crowd and every time I and hard working person and for that I
repeated instructions to them I tried am so grateful. My hope is that there
to simplify what Jeff Duffy said, but it are many more members in the future
walkways just came out in a funnier who can continue to pursue their
way than I had intended. A lot of dreams and march drum corps with
laughs were had by the Hornline that the help of the amazing continuous
block. Another memory was just hyping support for the Colts.
anything and everything that I could!
I remember a day in 2018 when the Closing Thoughts...I am in disbelief. I
Colorguard was walking to morning never thought I would be able to march
block and the sky seemed gloomy so drum corps in the first place, let alone
the overall energy was a bit lower than be a drum major for a world class drum
usual SO I decided to start yelling and corps! This has been such an amazing
hyping up the Colorguard and staying experience and opportunity for me to
positive so the guard and the corps grow in so many ways. I cannot wait to
could have a positive and impactful step foot on the Lucas Oil Stadium field
day. There was also a Colorguard block one last and leave it all on the field
in 2018 shortly after we put wheels with the Colts. Thank you, Colts for
on the bed props where I acted as if believing in me and pushing me harder
the bed was a boat and I was rowing each and every day. Also, I am 23 and
with my flag and actually managing to my birthday is June 18th, 1998… I
push myself down the field. I also loved have become one of the oldest people
singing Christmas songs on hot days. to ever march world class drum corps
Let it snow let it snow let it snow! and that blows my mind!
57Daniel Olson Thank You...Cathy, for always being nice
Percussion/Front Ensamble and helpful
Years (Colts): 1
Hometown: Holly Springs, North Carolina Words To Supporters...Thanks for
College: Weatern Carolina Univeristy making what we do possible!
Major: Education and History
Closing Thoughts...The grind is the
Most Significant Lessons...That if you best part. 21 is the age out for a
want to achieve somthing you should reason. LOL
put in the extra hour now to enjoy an
extra hour later. Samuel Raker
Brass/Trumpet
Impact On Your Life...Performing in DCI Years (Colts): 3
was on my bucket list and the staff Hometown: Lakeland, Florida
and other members were so helpful in College: Polk State College
allowing me to cross this off my list. Major: Aviation Maintenance
Administration
Best Memories...Laundry day and eating
takeout food with my friends. Taking a Most Significant Lessons...No matter
few hours to relax and just chat was how long it takes, never back down
much needed after weeks of hard work.
Impact On Your Life...Massive
Thank You...I would like to thank my improvement in time management
friends at Western Carolina University,
mainly Collin Tastet and Tucker McGrew Best Memories...Getting woken up
for helping me with auditions and my to morning in 2018, and seeing the
family for always supporting me in my power & impact it had on the veteran
musical journey. members at the time. Mokey.
Words To Supporters...Thank you for Thank You...The entire corps for helping
making this possible in such difficult find my place
times.
Words To Supporters...Thank you
Closing Thoughts...A wise philosopher for supporting such a astounding
once said, “We do have a lot in organization
common. The same air, the same
Earth, the same sky. Maybe if we Closing Thoughts...I’m gonna miss it
started looking at what’s the same for sure
instead of always looking at what’s
different.” Bradley Rivera
Percussion/Cymbals
David Peterson Years (Colts): 3
Percussion/Cymbals Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina
Years (Colts): 2
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri Most Significant Lessons...Colts
helped me learn how to power through
Most Significant Lessons...You can and be the hardest working version of
almost always add more to something myself, on and off the field.
Impact On Your Life...Thinking with Impact On Your Life...The people I’ve
efficiency in mind marched with are some of the closest
friends I’ve had. They’ve helped me
Best Memories...All the inside jokes of grow as a person and keep me driving.
the cymbal lines as time goes on
59Best Memories...Obviously rehearsal activity has changed my life.
and shows are fun but spending time
on the bus with the homies was always Closing Thoughts...MFCBLPRFLMF
a good time.
Alcira Sanchez
Thank You...Karen Kuzma Percussion/Front Ensemble
Years (Colts): 1
Words To Supporters...Thanks so much Hometown: Garrison, Texas
for everything you’ve done and will College: Stephen F. Austin State
continue to do! University
Major: Music Education
Closing Thoughts...It feels really
bittersweet to be aging out so soon. Most Significant Lessons...Hold on to
I really want to thank everyone that’s your dreams.
helped me get to this point. I’ll be
leaving it on the field for all of them. Best Memories...My very first run
through of the show with the full corps
Tom Ruocco was amazing. And getting to know the
Brass/Baritone members!
Years (Colts): 3
Hometown: Brick, New Jersey Thank You...My family, friends, Vickie,
College: Ocean County College John Gaal, Megean and Josh Nelson,
Major: Liberal Arts Nina, and Kyle. And special thank you
to my mom for supporting me through
Most Significant Lessons...I’ve learned this whole process.
how to be self accountable, how to live
in the moment, and how to achieve my Words To Supporters...Thank you all
goals in life by approaching them the so much for your love and support.
same way I do as a member of the Colts. Because of you guys, we are able to do
what we love.
Impact On Your Life...The Colts and the
members have changed my life. The Closing Thoughts...I love the Colts!
people that I’ve met are some of the Thank you all for being amazing!
best I’ve ever met and I cannot thank
them enough for making my experience Benjamin Sawyer
here so amazing. Brass/Baritone
Years (Colts): 4 / Years (Cadets): 2
Best Memories...My best memories Hometown: Oskaloosa, Iowa
are putting on the Colts uniform for College: William Penn University
the first time, getting my first triangle, Major: Music
and that one time I got yelled at for not
having my dot book on the field when it Most Significant Lessons...As long
was actually in my pocket – and I didn’t as you put in the mental effort to do
know it was there until the next day. something, everything else is easy.
Thank You...I would like to thank my Best Memories...The day in Texas in
parents, my sponsors, the brass and 2018 when it was so hot DCI made the
visual staff, and all of the friends that show an exhibition with no uniforms
I’ve made at the Colts over the years and we got bowls of frozen fruit every
for making my experience something time we went inside.
that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Closing Thoughts...Y’all have given me
Words To Supporters...Thank you so the best six years of my life
much for making this possible. This
61Reagan Scherpe Evan Seidel
Color Guard Percussion/Front Ensemble
Years (Colts): 5 Years (Colts): 1
Years (Cadets): 2 Hometown: Austin, Texas
Hometown: Galesburg Illinois College: University of Texas at San
College: Illinois State University Antonio
Major: Athletic Training Major: Music Education
Most Significant Lessons...Drum corps Most Significant Lessons...Paying
taught me how to have a positive extra attention to detail and learning
attitude while in tough situations. to be honest with yourself about your
I learned how to dig deep and fight progress will have a beneficial effect on
harder to push and become the best the rest of your section and corp. While
version of myself. this process may seem relentless,
if you have the drive and the right
Impact On Your Life...Because of the attitude, you can accomplish anything.
colts I have some of the closest friends
I will ever have in my entire life. I Impact On Your Life...The Colts have
wouldn’t know what to do if I never met had a profound impact on my life. This
my best friend, Tess Perkins. My friends experience has taught me to always
ive made at the colts will be with me go for the top and never settle for
forever. The colts also made me a better anything less. Seeing my fellow section
leader for my future and I cant wait to members and corps members become
see where these new skills take me. better musicians and people day by
day has been an extremely rewarding
Best Memories...Probably in 2016 experience.
when the corps played “Morning” on a
beach at sunrise. Or when I received Best Memories...Nailing a doumbeck
my first CC triangle and then my first solo in front of the whole pit at the one
Colts triangle knowing how much hard 2020 camp I went to before the season
work I put into getting through those was shut down. Meeting everyone for
tough seasons and how I grew so much the first time and talking about our
to be who I am today. experiences with band and drum corps.
Performing for crowds again, making
Thank You...I would like to thank my musical magic, and seeing everyone’s
parents for the endless support they’ve face light up with nothing but pure
given me and for following me around energy. Every pit inside joke ; ) But most
on tour and being my biggest fans. of all, getting to play with a full musical
ensemble for the first time since March
Words To Supporters...Thank you for 2020 by performing with the whole
all the support in anyway!! Everything corps for the first time.
you do to help us get down the road
is amazing and allows us to enjoy this Thank You...I would like to thank my
amazing once in a life time experience. mom and dad, Heather and Phil for
We couldnt do it without you. their love and support, as well as the
rest of my family and friends at home.
Closing Thoughts...I can’t believe im Thank you to the UTSA percussion
finally aging out…I would never have Colts alumni for inspiring me to do this,
been here if my high school color guard thank you to all the music educators
director never told me what Colts was who have taught me over the course
and my parents agreeing to take me to of my life, and thank you to all the
a camp after watching a video on YouTube percussion techs and caption heads at
of the 2013 Colts. I am forever grateful the Colts for pushing us to our limits to
for my time as a member of the Colts. reach our fullest potential. I would not
63be the person I am today without all of Words To Supporters...Thank you
your love, help, and support. for everything you do. Whether you
recognize it or not, you are changing
Words To Supporters...Thank you 150+ lives every season.
so much for continuing your undying
support for Iowa’s corps. We are Closing Thoughts...If I even try to
grateful for your contributions and we answer this right now I will cry :/
would not be the organization we are
without all of you. Morgan Thoma
Color Guard
Closing Thoughts...I am very emotional Years (Colts): 2
and excited to finally live out a dream Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
I’ve had since I was 17 and put a College: University of Saint Francis
cherry on top of my marching career. Major: Art Education
When I am an educator, I will use the
experiences and skills I learned to Most Significant Lessons...There are too
inspire the next generation. many to name. The colts have taught
me to promote excellence on and off
Maya Struhar the field. I have become a better person
Color Guard with all the lessons I have learned here.
Years (Colts): 4 / Years (Cadets): 2 Impact On Your Life...The Colts have
Hometown: Creston, Iowa helped me grow as a person and
College: Cottey College, University of the members have helped shape so
New Orleans many memories that will stay with me
Major: Bachelor of Arts in throughout my life.
Organizational Leadership, Master
of Science in Urban and Regional Best Memories...There are too many
Planning to name. Every memory I have is
so precious and to name only a few
Most Significant Lessons...I can do wouldn’t bring my experience to justice.
hard things! Hard things are actually Thank You...Thank you to my parents
very easy to do, as long as you have as family for always supporting
friends doing them with you. everything I have done within the world
of color guard and thank you to my
Impact On Your Life...I wish there was current and past guard instructors for
an easy answer to this. always pushing me to be my best self
on and off the field.
Best Memories...My favorite life
memories are my drum corps Words To Supporters...Thank you for
memories. If I have to choose one, always being such a huge support for
it’s having the ability perform in J. the Colts.
Birney Crum Stadium at the Allentown
Regional every year. For many members, Closing Thoughts...I can’t wait to share
it’s the least popular regional because the field with 165+ incredible humans.
it’s the only one performed outdoors.
It’s my favorite, however, because it’s Alayna Verduyn
one of the only fields still on our tour Drum Major
that my dad performed on with the Years (Colts): 3
Colts in the 1980s. Hometown: Waukee, Iowa
College: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Thank You...My parents, John and Major: Broadcast news
Adonica Struhar, who have supported
me endlessly year after year as I Most Significant Lessons...I never
pursue my dreams of marching. understood the true meaning of hard
65work until I began my time at the new day has unexpected challenges
Colts. Being a part of this organization that come out of no where. The Colts
unlocked a part of myself that I didn’t taught me that these challenges are a
know existed, and since then I have normal and important part of life and
become a leader and person I am how we react to them both reveals and
very proud of. Nothing can teach you shapes who we are.
hard work and determination like drum
corps can. Impact On Your Life...Nothing will make
you appreciate the luxuries you have
Impact On Your Life...It goes without in the real world until you march Drum
saying, but the bonds created over a Corps.
summer tour are unlike any bonds that
I’ve ever made. The Colts has given Best Memories...Show day energy.
me so many lessons to carry on into There’s something beautiful about the
my future career and taught me many time right before you’re about to do
values about how to succeed. something you love with a group of
people that share that same passion.
Best Memories...The best memories
seem to come from the worst Thank You...My friends and family for
moments. It’s funny, there might be their support and sacrifice throughout
blocks that in the moment, you’d wish this whole process.
to be anywhere else. But looking back,
I’d give anything to relive those. Also Kaylin Wilkins
the bus and member gym. Drum corps Color Guard
people tend to be very funny. Years (Colts): 3
Hometown: Odessa, Florida
Thank You...I’d like to thank my parents College: Southern Pacific College
and family for supporting me through Major: Performing Arts
this crazy process 4 years ago, and
continuing to support me. I wouldn’t Most Significant Lessons...How to be
have been able to do any of this a leader.
without them, but have been changed
forever because of it. Impact On Your Life...They helped me
learn how to love myself again.
Words To Supporters...To supporters
and donors— your support has Best Memories...My best memories
changed more lives than you probably is when things get tough on the field
realize. From members to audience we always find away to motivate each
members, drum corps is impactful and other.
unforgettable.
Thank You...I would like to thank all my
Closing Thoughts...All I can say is I staff who took a chance on me even
wish I still had more years! when i didn’t believe in myself
Alex Weinzierl Words To Supporters...The Colts is an
Brass/Trumpet amazing organization and there is no
Years (Colts): 1 place I would rather be.
Hometown: Belton, Missouri
College: University of Missouri Closing Thoughts...Take in every
Major: Music Education moment because I know my future self
will say, “Just on more time.”
Most Significant Lessons...Drum corps
gave me a new approach to how I
approach life. Just like in life, every
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