Oakdale Junior High School’s Colorguard has begun the 2023 season with a strong showing, capturing a First Place honor in competition earlier this month.

A total of 18 students participated in the competition. Practicing two to three days a week for two and a half hours at a time paid off. Their performance of Prison Break, staged to the hit “Jailhouse Rock” brought them the win against five other schools from the area.

This is the 19th year for OJHS Colorguard. They have a longstanding history with Central Valley Guard Circuit and Winter Guard Internationals. In 2018 the guard grew big enough for OJHS and OHS to compete separately.

The OJHS team has won three championships and earned five third place finishes at Regionals as a combined guard.

“Without the Oakdale Music Boosters and the OJHS ASB and PTC, our competitive season wouldn’t be able to happen,” team coach Danesa Menge stated.

Team members include: Maliyah Pender, Daphne Hurshman, Maddilyn Baker, Star Gilbert, Melody Smith, Xiamora Martinez, Abby Holt, Hannah Fletcher, Vic Villalvazo, Kiera McCurdy, Liz Bennet, Alani Avila, Emilia Rost, Aynsleigh Pearson, Perla Esquiuel, Analisa Rodriguez, Morgan Garrad, Everleigh Alvarez.

Their next event will be on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Johansen High School.