Flag team forms bond

Attending football games on Friday nights is a highlight for many high school students. With the combination of an exciting game, the vibrance of the band and pommers performing, and a lot of cheering occurring, it is not surprising that many fans miss the performance of the flag team.

However, band teacher and flag sponsor Kendall Phelps commented that the flags significantly contribute to the quality of the band performance.

“The flags give color to the music. They make the notes move. A good flag squad will make the band an even better band. The crowd loves to see the flash and movement that the flags give to the band. They are a very important part of our Friday nights and our parades,” he said.

The flag team this year consists of seniors Jessica Norton, captain, Amanda Gray, co-captain, Chelsy Abrams, Shelley McClelland, and freshmen Jessica Wehner, Jessica Scarbrough, and Brittney True.

Norton commented that the flag squad is distinctive this year.

“The first unique thing is that there are four seniors and three freshmen. Usually, the squad is closer in age than this. The next is that, surprisingly, this particular squad has not had a single fight. In the previous years, there were many fights, so we are thankful that it hasn’t happened to us yet,“ she said.

Phelps explained how each flag member brings something different to the table.

“It is hard to pick one person that is an inspiration. Each one has their own personality. The seniors have been doing this for three to four years and bring a lot of experience to the squad. The freshmen bring newness and excitement. The girls feed off of each other and that is what makes the squad great,” he said.

Norton stated that pumping up the crowd and team is the best part of being part of the flag squad.

“The best part of being a flag girl is seeing the crowd enjoying the halftime performances. The band and color guard can really get the crowd pumped up, which in turn pumps up the team, and this, of course, always makes for a fun-filled evening,” she said.

Norton commented that the squad is experimenting with different teaching methods this year.

“This year, we are trying very hard to use more mellowed-out methods of teaching. Generally, every year, the way we were taught was through trial and error. It was always scary and intimidating because if we messed up, we got yelled at or embarrassed in front of the squad. Amanda and I do not employ that strategy this year.

“Also, this year rather than being a dictatorship-style group, we are more of a democracy. When Amanda and I go to make decisions, we always make sure to ask the girls what they would prefer. We vote. I believe this method is more effective in that everyone counts, no one gets their feelings hurt, and we unite together as a complete squad. This has really helped relationships this year," she said.

Some members of the flag team went to a summer camp at Shawnee Mission South hosted by Marching Alixutries. The camp was held June 22 to June 24.

The members who attended were Gray, Scarbrough, Wehner, Abrams, and True. Phelps commented that the flag team did well at camp. They won the 110 percent spirit, the Grand Champions trophy, and a spirit stick. Phelps stated that camp was a success.

“The girls did great at camp. It was a long three days. We had to drive each day to Shawnee Mission South High School and then home that evening. The girls worked hard and never complained. They were great,” he said.

Norton explained that she was pleased with the team at camp.

“I’m extremely proud of the squad’s performance at camp for numerous reasons. First, they won the 110 percent award plaque for always giving their all in every performance.

“Secondly, they went to camp without a captain or co-captain and still performed their highest ability. That instance makes me feel as if our squad can be completely self-sufficient, and that everyone plays an equal role, which is true,” she said.

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